The Mirror says Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez has made an enquiry to Roy Keane about 6ft 5in powerhouse Jones, who only joined the Black Cats from Southampton in the summer for £6million. The fact Benitez is casting around for another huge hitman means Crouch's days are numbered at Liverpool.

They could make a £12m January swoop for Jones and offer Crouch to the Wearsiders.

Keane admitted: "There are not a lot of target men out there, so the fact Kenwyne's quick and has a good touch makes it obvious people will identify him."