Liverpool manager snaps up Kenwyne Jones

Liverpool will try to solve their striker crisis by signing Kenwyne Jones on loan on Monday.

The Sunderland forward is due at Anfield for a medical as manager Rafa Benitez desperately attempts to strengthen his squad for the visit of top-four contenders Tottenham on Wednesday.

Benitez sees the 25-year-old Trinidad & Tobago star as ideal cover for his injured superstar Fernando Torres. The Spain striker had knee surgery in Barcelona this weekend but is not expected to be fit for at least six weeks.

A swap deal with Liverpool for unhappy winger Ryan Babel had been mooted but instead Jones will move to Anfield on loan until the end of the season.

Sunderland have already turned down a £9million bid from Birmingham for the 6ft 1in Jones, who has scored six Barclays Premier League goals this season. Birmingham boss Alex McLeish remains keen to sign Jones and Babel.

Former Southampton target man Jones earns about £50,000 a week - wages City are able to match following Carson Yeung's takeover - but the player is not interested in switching to St Andrew's.

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