Jordan Henderson's future has been "resolved", Ajax coach Francesco Farioli says, amid reports he could leave to return to former club Sunderland.

Less than a year since joining the Dutch side from an ill-fated spell in Saudi Arabia with Al-Ettifaq, the former Liverpool captain has been linked with a return to England. The midfielder has not yet found a home in Amsterdam and reportedly misses his family.

Henderson is said to be open to a move back to Sunderland in the Championship, the club where his career began, but Farioli believes he will finish the season with Ajax as they attempt to compete for the Europa League and Eredivisie titles under their new boss.

"I chose Jordan as captain and he is our leader. I don’t think I have to explain how important he is to our team," the Italian said at a press conference. "I am not his agent. But if all goes well, that has now been resolved. Henderson wants to bring Ajax back to where the club belongs, at the top."

While Farioli is under the impression Henderson will stay, the 34-year-old could still explore his options if he cannot find some stability at Ajax in the coming months.