SUNDERLAND could lose their star midfielder Jordan Henderson as early as today after Liverpool moved closer to their asking price.

After days of haggling over his price the Black Cats are now prepared to accept a deal made up of £13million, plus striker David Ngog – who is rated around the £7million mark.

Liverpool are currently offering £11million in addition to Ngog.

There has been significant progress over the past 48 hours and now all parties believe a deal can be progressed quickly, with the Football Association keen to have it wrapped up before England – who have Henderson in their squad – begin their European Under-21 Championship finals campaign on Sunday.

It is a move that will dismay Sunderland supporters, but Henderson has made it clear that he is interested in a transfer to Anfield.

And, while there is none of the bitterness surrounding his decision that accompanied Darren Bent’s departure to Aston Villa in January, they will not keep hold of a player determined to move on.

Henderson’s exit is a body blow for Black Cats boss Steve Bruce, but it is not entirely unexpected.

His form improved dramatically towards the end of the season – returning to the levels that earned him a first England call-up in the autumn. And that meant that his suitors, who also included Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal, were always likely to pounce.

Contingency plans have been in place since the last weeks of the season and at least Bruce is prepared for this move, unlike Bent’s shock exit.

Sunderland are close to securing goalkeeper Keiren Westwood, but are more likely to spend most of their money next month or in August.

Bruce’s alternative options include Darron Gibson and Wes Brown of Manchester United and Peter Crouch of Tottenham (below).

The cash raised by Henderson’s sale will also help Bruce look at other targets he might have considered too expensive, including Chris Brunt of West Brom and Spurs’ Russian forward Roman Pavlyuchenko.