Whelan has been impressed by what he has seen of the 20-year-old, but has stressed that Henderson must be ready to deal with the weight of Liverpool fans’ expectations.

“He looks a very good player and he is talked about as being one of England’s best young talents, so it appears to be a good signing by Liverpool,” Whelan told the Liverpool Echo.

“He seems to have all the attributes needed to be a good central midfield player. He has good stamina and energy, he passes the ball well and his control is good.

“He looks an all-round player, and will add plenty to Kenny (Dalglish)’s squad. The key now for a young player like Jordan is how he handles the step up to a big club.

“Liverpool is not like Sunderland – they are expected to win every week, and so it remains to be seen how he handles the pressures that come with that.”

Henderson is poised to become Liverpool’s first signing of the summer and - following the big-money captures of Andy Carroll and Luis Suarez in January - the third high-profile new recruit since Fenway Sports Group’s takeover of the club and Dalglish’s return as manager last season.

Currently part of the England Under-21 squad who get their European Championship campaign under way in Denmark this weekend, Henderson won his first senior international cap against France last November and his value has soared over the past year, despite a recent dip in form.

The Sunderland-born player is a product of the Wearsiders’ youth academy and he made his Black Cats debut in a 5-0 defeat to Chelsea in November 2008.

In total he has made 79 appearances for the club, scoring five goals, and he also spent a spell on loan at Coventry in the 2008-09 season.

Whelan, who played almost 500 times for Liverpool through the 1980s and early 1990s, thinks Henderson’s arrival will boost the standard of the Reds midfield.

“He (Dalglish) will be looking to play him in his best position, which is central midfield,” Whelan said.

“It is a squad game now, and you need depth and quality. Players like Lucas Leiva and young Jay Spearing have done really well last season, but if you are looking for players to take you to the next level then you need better and Jordan is better, in my opinion.”

Sunderland had been reluctant to part company with one of their prized assets, but chairman Niall Quinn yesterday said Henderson would leave with their blessing.

It has been reported that Liverpool striker David Ngog could go in the opposite direction as part of the transfer.