Rangers told only one Jordan Henderson deal 'makes sense' as Nathan Patterson exit path emerges amid £3m endorsement

Rangers have been told that a return to Sunderland is the only path out of Ajax that "makes sense" for Jordan Henderson.

The rumour mill has burst into life early with the January window fast approaching with Philippe Clement's side touted as a potential destination for the veteran midfielder after struggling to make his mark in Amsterdam. The 34-year-old joined Ajax in January from Steven Gerrard's Al Ettifaq but has managed just three league appearances since the arrival of boss Francesco Farioli in the summer.

The Black Cats and Rangers have been touted with a move for the England international with a host of English Championship and Premier League sides said to be keeping tabs on a deal. But his former Sunderland teammate Darren Bent reckons a return to the Stadium of Light would be the perfect fit, telling talkSPORT: "I mean, he's 34, but I still think he could definitely do a job in the Premier League, 100 per cent - he looks after himself.

"I just feel going back to Sunderland makes sense, you know what I mean? That's his club, that's where he started, that's where I played with him, and I'm sure the fans would love him back.

"He's had an unbelievable career when you look back at what he's won, what he's done, he's competed for England, he's had an incredible career. So I think for Sunderland fans it's almost like a homecoming, and I think that'd be really nice for him to go there."

Rangers' academy graduate Nathan Patterson is also looking to improve his luck south of the border as he prepares for a return to Everton's first-team after an injury-hampered spell at Goodison Park. The Scotland right-back has not played a senior match for the Premier League outfit since rupturing his hamstring during a 6-0 defeat