Jordan Henderson Confirms Brentford Exit as Chelsea Close in on Double Swoop

Jordan Henderson is on the verge of becoming a Chelsea player after Brentford officially confirmed the midfielder's departure on a free transfer. The 36-year-old leaves the Bees with one year remaining on his contract, clearing the path for a move to Stamford Bridge that has been described as a surprise target for the Blues. Brentford's director of football, Phil Giles, revealed the club had always agreed to let Henderson go if he wanted a fresh challenge. "The plan we agreed last summer was for Jordan to add his experience to the team and help the club achieve a good Premier League finish. In return, the club committed to helping Jordan get into the England squad for the World Cup while remaining an elite Premier League midfielder," Giles wrote on the club's website. He added that after post-World Cup discussions, it became clear Henderson's preference was to try something different in the final years of his career. Brentford have now parted ways with the former Liverpool captain, who is seen by Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso as an invaluable source of experience - particularly after Sunderland turned down an approach for Granit Xhaka. Chelsea are not stopping with Henderson. The club are also set to sign Danny Welbeck from Brighton, with both players having already agreed personal terms. An official announcement for the double deal is expected imminently, and the pair will join Alonso's squad for their pre-season tour of Hong Kong once the paperwork is completed. Welbeck's arrival will allow Chelsea to speed up the departure of another striker. Interest is growing in Liam Delap, while the club will listen to offers for Nicolas Jackson and new signing Emmanuel Emegha.