Liverpool transfer news: Jordan Henderson 'hopes Raheem Sterling will stay' and praises 'brilliant' signing of James Milner

Henderson is set to be named Liverpool captain in place of the departed Steven Gerrard and hopes he's leading out both Sterling and Milner next season

Henderson and Sterling in training for England (Getty Images)

Jordan Henderson has urged his Liverpool team-mate Raheem Sterling to stay at the club, and says that the winger's contract wrangle has not affected his relationship with his team-mates.

Henderson, 24, talking at St George’s Park ahead of Sunday’s England friendly against Republic of Ireland in Dublin said that Sterling’s commitment in training and matches had not wavered.

“One thing I love about him. He’s a great person and a great lad," said Henderson. "He’s getting a lot of criticism because of the contract situation, but he’s first class as a person, all the lads love him whether it’s here with England or Liverpool.

“He’s a great professional. His work ethic is fantastic. He works as hard as he can and wants to improve all the time. With respect to him he’s obviously left that to whoever’s representing him in regards to what he wants to do. But for me Raheem Sterling is a fantastic player and he’s been brilliant for England, I hope he will stay at Liverpool.”

Henderson, set to the be the new Liverpool captain after the departure of Steven Gerrard, said that the signing of James Milner on a free agent deal was “brilliant” news for the club. “I’ve spoken to Milly and it’s a fantastic signing.

His attitude on and off the field is first class. You know you’ll get energy from him. He’s a quality player. I watched a lot of [Manchester] City players last year and he contributes a lot with assists and goals. He’s got a lot of ability. And he does a lot of the dirty work as well. For me it’s a fantastic signing and I look forward to playing with him next season.”

On the resignation by Sepp Blatter as Fifa president, Henderson said that the some of the revelations about the organisation were “shocking”. “A lot of us want to play in those World Cups and it doesn’t matter where it is.

Henderson will play alongside Milner next season (Getty Images)

As players, we’ll go and do the best we can. We’ll stick to the football. We’ll let the people above make the decision. Some of the things coming out have been shocking really. But we can’t focus on that. It has been embarrassing but I’m sure it will be dealt with in the best way possible. And we’ll move forward to a brighter future.”