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Liverpool move to secure Jordan Henderson to long term deal

Liverpool have begun talks to extend midfielder Jordan Henderson's contract beyond the summer of 2016.

Henderson, the vice-captain at Anfield, is one of a number of key players the Reds are looking to secure for the long term, sources have told ESPN FC.

- Darke: Balotelli already testing the patience of Liverpool
- Read: Vice-captaincy starting to sit well with Henderson

Striker Daniel Sturridge signed a new contract on Friday that commits him to staying until 2019, while manager Brendan Rodgers revealed on Monday that discussions are under way to extend winger Raheem Sterling's deal beyond 2017.

Henderson, 24, signed a five-year contract when he joined Liverpool from Sunderland for 16 million pounds in 2011, but initially struggled to make an impression.

Soon after replacing Kenny Dalglish as the Reds boss in June 2012, Rodgers gave Henderson the opportunity to join Fulham.

But the England midfielder opted to stay and fight for his place, becoming a key member of the side who finished runners-up to Manchester City in the Premier League last season.

Rodgers gave Henderson added responsibility by making him vice-captain in September, following the sale of defender Daniel Agger to Danish club Brondby.

The midfielder scored for the first time since March as he struck the winner in Saturday's 2-1 Premier League victory over West Brom, having created the opening goal for Adam Lallana.

Rodgers said after that win: "He's a player with a wonderful physicality. His size surprises people.

"He's got great running ability but wonderful technique as well. He's playing in a team structure where he understands his lines of passing, and he knows his role is to create and score goals.

"He's a wonderful young man to work with, and I'm delighted that he scored because it's something we've been encouraging him to do, to get into the box.

"He did that with the two goals -- combining well on the edge of the box for the first and getting his finish for the second."