Liverpool are launching a £4 million bid for Wigan Athletic striker Emile Heskey. Reds manager Rafa Benitez is desperate for cover in attack because of Fernando Torres' hamstring problems.

Heskey, who spent four years at Liverpool before leaving in 2004, is out of contract in the summer and the Latics could cash in now, says The Sun.

Wigan boss Steve Bruce insisted he will not let Heskey, 30, leave on a cut-price deal. But he knows the cash could make Amr Zaki's loan move from El Zamalek permanent.