Striker link dismissed

Sunderland have denied reports that striker Kenwyne Jones is set to sign for Liverpool on loan.

An article in the Daily Mail claimed the Trinidad & Tobago star, 25, was due at Anfield for a medical on Monday.

But club sources insist the player will not be leaving during January's transfer window.

Liverpool are seeking reinforcements in attack after losing top scorer Fernando Torres, captain Steven Gerrard and winger Yossi Benayoun to injury.

The Reds, currently languishing in seventh place, were rumoured to be eyeing Jones as a stand-in for Torres, who is out for six weeks with a knee injury.

Previous reports had suggested Benitez was keen to swap out-of-favour Reds forward Ryan Babel for Jones, but the deal was dismissed by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce.

Birmingham have also been linked with a bid for Jones, who signed a new four-and-a-half year contract last January.

However, Bruce and chairman Niall Quinn have both spoken in recent days of their desire to keep the player at the club.

The 6ft 1in frontman, signed from Southampton for £6 million in 2007, has six goals this season and has forged a promising partnership with leading scorer Darren Bent.

He played the full 90 minutes in Sunderland's most recent game - a 7-2 thrashing by Premier League leaders Chelsea on Saturday.

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