Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez remains keen on Sunderland striker Kenwyne Jones.

The Sun says Benitez wants the Sunderland hitman at Anfield but his bungled loan bid during the transfer window was shot down by Black Cats manager Steve Bruce.

But Jones, 25, has not given up hope of a multi-million pound switch to Liverpool, who take on Romanian outfit Unirea Urziceni in the Europa League tonight.

The striker admitted: "If one of the world's big clubs comes in for you, it's understandable a player might have the desire to go to that next level.

"Until you sign a contract with a new club it's all just talk. January was a crazy time and now I have to focus on the games ahead.

"The manager spoke to me. The reassuring speech came out to let me know the club still wanted me. That is always nice to hear.

"But sometimes a big situation like the transfer story can make it hard for the manager to say anything.

"All I can do to prove I am committed to Sunderland by showing it in games."