Spurs have been heavily linked with Jones and there is a possibility Darren Bent might move in the other direction.

And Redknapp, who completed the signing of Wigan's Wilson Palacios on Friday, admitted he is in the hunt for new faces.

"We have made an enquiry for Jones," confirmed Redknapp.

"I have no idea how far the chairman has got with it or even whether Sunderland want to do a deal."

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There is no chance of Jones being signed in time to face Stoke on Tuesday night but, given the lack of bodies available to him, Redknapp will continue searching for reinforcements until the February 2 deadline.

"We are short in one or two areas," he said.

"I had to put Heurelho Gomes on the bench even though he is injured because the alternative goalkeeper is a 16-year-old.

"I have brought Palacios in from Wigan to give us a bit of drive and energy in midfield. When we get Jermaine Jenas and Aaron Lennon back, it will give us a bit more pace as well."