A report in the Mirror on Sunday this morning sensationally claims Liverpool are lining up a January move for Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

Simon Mullock writes: "Anfield boss Rafa Benitez is looking at the possibility of taking the former Manchester United striker on loan until the end of the season as he aims to add firepower to his team… he would prefer a move to Anfield because he believes Liverpool will still be fighting for the Premier League title at the end of the season – and that would help him secure a place in Holland’s World Cup squad."

Mullock adds: "Benitez will be given a limited budget for signings in January – and a loan move for Van Nistelrooy is a big attraction… The other big attraction for Benitez is that Van Nistelrooy can operate as a solo striker in the way he currently deploys Fernando Torres."

Ruud van Nistelrooy is still returning from a serious knee injury that he picked up just over a year ago. He has made just two substitute appearances this season and was not involved in the 1-0 win over Racing Santander last night.

The former Manchester United striker is contracted to Real Madrid until the end of the season and recently spoke of his desire to leave the Bernabeu to secure a place in Holland’s World Cup squad.