Liverpool eyeing Sunderland striker Jones as back up for injured Torres

London, Jan 16(ANI): Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is eyeing Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones in a stunning swap with winger Ryan Babel.

Benitez has been chasing a back-up striker to Fernando Torres, who has been plagued by injury this season, and the hunt became an urgent priority when he damaged a cartilage in the shock FA Cup defeat to Reading.

According to reports, Benitez hopes to agree a deal with Sunderland soon, as he desperately needs cover for Torres, who has now been ruled out for at least six weeks.

The swap will see out-of-favour Babel head for the Stadium of Light, who has been an 11.5 million pound flop since moving from Ajax two years ago, starting in just 24 league games.

The deal would not be easy for Benitez, as Aston Villa will also be in contention for the 25-year-old, claimed to be worth 40 million pounds by Sunderland manager Steve Bruce, The Sun reports. (ANI)