Liverpool prepare Darren Bent bid

Robbie Keane could be set for a January move to Sunderland if Liverpool attempt to lure Black Cats striker Darren Bent to the club in the forthcoming winter transfer window.

The Tottenham forward has slipped down the pecking order at White Hart Lane, with Peter Crouch, Roman Pavlyuchenko and Jermain Defoe all getting more first-team action so far this season.

Spurs manager Harry Redknapp recently confirmed Keane will be free to leave next month after not being able to break into the North London side, who now sit in fifth place in the Premier League.

'I think he'd like to move - he wants to play, you know?' Redknapp said, adding: 'Whoever offers the biggest fee will, I suppose, be the answer in January.'

Aston Villa are reportedly interested in signing the Republic of Ireland man, but Sunderland could also make a move if Liverpool attempt to bolster their attacking options by signing Darren Bent.

Liverpool are believed to be in the market for a new forward to partner talisman Fernando Torres and the 26-year-old - who has netted seven Premier League goals this campaign - may be considered by Reds boss Roy Hodgson.

Should Sunderland sell their top scorer, they would want a big-name replacement - and Keane might well fit the bill.

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