£24m striker would 'jump at' Liverpool chance

Liverpool are reportedly considering a somewhat surprising January swoop for Aston Villa striker Darren Bent.

The 27-year-old has scored 15 times in 32 appearances for Villa since joining the club for £24 million from Sunderland a year ago.

Last week it was claimed that Liverpool were monitoring the situation of Bent at Villa Park, but Alex McLeish has since insisted the England international is not for sale.

However, according to The People, Bent would 'jump at the chance' to move to Anfield, and Liverpool are prepared to test Villa's resolve.

Liverpool have struggled for goals this season - finding the net only 24 times in 19 league games - and will be short on options when Luis Suarez begins his eight-game ban.

The Uruguayan hotshot was suspended by the FA for racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra and have been urged by anti-racism campaigners not to appeal the decision.