Liverpool close in on Jones loan deal

LIVERPOOL were today closing in on a deal to bring Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones to Anfield on loan until the end of the season.

Reds boss Rafa Benitez has been determined to add a physical presence to his forward line and has been scouring the market for options.

With Fernando Torres facing six weeks out after undergoing successful knee surgery in Barcelona on Saturday, Benitez wants to move quickly and is hoping that a deal will be wrapped up within the next 24 hours.

Talks have been on going with Sunderland over the weekend and Liverpool are keeping their fingers crossed that there will be no late glitches to scupper the move for a player, who has scored six times for the Black Cats in the Premier League this season.

Benitez, typically, is keeping his cards close to his chest and all he would say today when asked about Liverpool's pursuit of Jones is that the club "are working hard and looking for different options."

It is understood, though, that Jones is Liverpool's number one target and the odds are increasing that he will arrive on Merseyside in the near future.

Jones' future has been the subject of much speculation during the transfer window and only last week, Sunderland boss Steve Bruce declared that any club wishing to sign the Trinidad & Tobago international could start the bidding "at £40m".

The 25-year-old's stock has grown considerably during his time on Wearside and he has scored 25 times in 85 appearances since joining Sunderland for £6m in 2007 from Southampton.

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