Jordan Henderson is close to being confirmed as Liverpool’s new club captain following the departure of Steven Gerrard to LA Galaxy.

The 25-year-old replaced Daniel Agger as vice-captain last September and has been the clear favourite to assume the captaincy since January when Gerrard announced he was leaving his boyhood club.

Brendan Rodgers refused to confirm Henderson was his captain-elect last season, despite having few strong candidates for the post and with the midfielder not finalising a new contract until April, but has now settled on the England international as his preferred option. An announcement is expected soon.

Rodgers’ decision completes a major turnaround in Henderson’s fortunes at Anfield. The 2011 signing from Sunderland was given permission to hold talks over a £5m move to Fulham in the Liverpool manager’s first summer at the club but stayed to fight for his place and ultimately secured a regular role in Rodgers’ midfield.

The arrival of James Milner this summer on a free transfer from Manchester City offered another experienced option to Rodgers but Henderson’s growing influence and longer service is set to be recognised with the captain’s armband on a full-time basis next season.