Liverpool join Jones race

Liverpool have reportedly joined Premier League rivals Birmingham City, Stoke City, Aston Villa and Tottenham in the race for Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.

The Sunday People claim Rafa Benitez is proposing a swap deal involving Ryan Babel and Jones trading clubs in this transfer window. 

Having recently sold Andriy Voronin to Dynamo Moscow, the Spaniard is looking to bring in an able replacement, and Jones reportedly fits the bill for Liverpool.  

The towering Trinidad and Tobago striker has cut an impressive figure for Sunderland alongside the prolific Darren Bent, and he seemingly has no shortage of suitors despite Steve Bruce recently suggesting the player was not for sale. 

Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp is a known admirer having enquired about the player in the summer, while Aston Villa and Stoke City have both been linked with forward this month. 

The newspaper suggests Jones would entertain the idea of moving to Anfield in order to play alongside Fernando Torres at Liverpool, but the move would depend who Ryan Babel's willingness to move to Sunderland.  

The Dutchman recently rejected the chance to join high-flying Birmingham City in a £11 million deal despite Liverpool's readiness to sell the player. 

Over the last few days Sunderland boss Steve Bruce appears to be looking at likely candidates to replace Jones should he accept the reputed advances of Liverpool, and having been recently rebuffed in his efforts to sign Shalke 04 striker Kevin Kuranyi, a swap deal with Babel may have its appeal. 

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.