Reds bid for Jones

Jones: Liverpool interest

Liverpool have bid for Middlesbrough goalkeeper Brad Jones, skysports.com understands.

The Reds have been linked with a move for a new shot-stopper with boss Roy Hodgson believed to be keen on providing more back-up for No.1 Pepe Reina.

He has now turned his sights on Boro keeper Jones, who will miss the opening day of the Championship season through suspension.

Australia international Jones missed this summer's World Cup finals as he had to leave the Socceroos squad after his son was diagnosed with leukaemia.

Jones has been with Boro throughout pre-season, but Danny Coyne will start against Ipswich on Saturday because of the Australian's ban.

But it now seems Jones could already have played his last game for Boro, with Liverpool having made a firm bid for the 28-year-old.

Another benefit for Liverpool would be that Jones, who is a product of the North East club's famed academy, qualifies as a home-grown player under Premier League rules.

Boro are now believed to be considering their options as, if they did sell, they would have to go out and sign a new keeper.

Crystal Palace's highly-rated keeper Julian Speroni has already been linked as a possible replacement.