STEVEN GERRARD could use secret booze cruises to lure Premier League stars to Al-Ettifaq.
The Liverpool legend took over the club last week and has already begun to target Prem players.
Al-Ettifaq are based in Dammam, Saudi Arabia’s fourth biggest city.
And while the country has strict laws completely banning alcohol, Dammam is just a 70-minute drive over the border to Bahrain, which is one of the most liberal countries in the region.
So Gerrard will be able to attract British players who know that despite living in an incredibly conservative country, would be just 50 miles from Bahrain’s bars, off-licences and nightclubs.
Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson is one player Stevie G is hoping to lure to Al-Ettifaq.
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The Saudi outfit are prepared to offer Henderson four times his salary in a deal worth £700,000 a week.
The midfielder is reportedly ready to put pen to paper and it is understood he has spoken to Reds boss Jurgen Klopp and been given the green light.
Henderson, who has two years left on his Anfield deal, is now waiting on a fee to be agreed with Liverpool.
Club chiefs are demanding up to £20million to let the 33-year-old leave.
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But the Saudis are keen to avoid shelling out such a big fee after committing to pay Henderson £36m a year.
Hendo found himself under fire from Liverpool’s LGBT+ fans group Kop Outs, who are “appalled and concerned” that he is considering a move to Saudi Arabia.
Being homosexual or transgender in Saudi Arabia is illegal.
And Henderson has proudly worn a rainbow armband to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.
Another team, Saudi champions Al-Ittihad, are looking at signing Liverpool midfielder Fabinho, although he could cost £40m.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
