Jordan Henderson's replacement? Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq trying to prise Abdoulaye Doucoure away from Everton in January

Abdoulaye Doucoure has emerged as Al-Ettifaq's top candidate to replace midfielder Jordan Henderson, following his transfer to Ajax.

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Article continues below

Article continues below

• Henderson left to join Ajax
• Al-Ettifaq need new midfielder
• Everton reluctant to sell star

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Henderson terminated his contract with the Saudi Arabian club just six months after he joined from Liverpool and signed for Ajax in a free transfer. The Englishman's departure has the Saudi Pro League team looking for a new midfielder and they have set their eyes on the Everton star, according to .

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Al-Ettifaq have already reached out to the Toffees to discuss a possible move for the 31-year-old. They have also been in contact with Doucoure's representative. Everton may be reluctant to sell, however, as the Mali international remains a key player, but Al-Ettifaq will hope to tempt them to let him go with a sizeable offer.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Steven Gerrard's Al-Ettifaq have not had the best of seasons so far. They sit eighth in the Saudi Pro League with just six wins from their first 19 matches, leaving them a whopping 28 points behind leaders Al-Hilal.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR AL-ETTIFAQ?

  Al-Ettifaq have not won any of their last nine matches in all competitions and will hope to recruit a new midfielder before long to help turn things around. Gerrard will want to have a new player in place by the time they face Al-Khaleej on February 15.