Sunderland reject Jones rumours

Sunderland say there is "absolutely no chance" of Kenywne Jones joining Liverpool on loan and are bemused by reports suggesting they would allow Rafael Benítez to borrow the centre-forward until the end of the season.

Privately, however, Steve Bruce would consider selling Jones to Liverpool - but only for at least £12m. Sunderland's manager is under no financial pressure to offload the Trinidadian striker and is not thought to be interested in an exchange deal involving Ryan Babel.

Both Bruce and Niall Quinn, Sunderland's chairman, have publicly stated that they do not want to see Jones transferred during this window. Indeed with Kevin Kurányi, the Schalke 04 striker tracked by Bruce, opting to stay in Germany until the summer, the chances of Jones leaving Wearside have diminished.

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