Van Nistelrooy set to snub Arsenal for Liverpool

(GETTY IMAGES)

Former Manchester United forward Ruud van Nistelrooy could be set for a January move to Liverpool.

The Dutchman has fallen down the pecking order at Real Madrid and is desperate for first-team football to secure a place at the World Cup.

Arsenal had reportedly been leading the chase but reports today suggest the 33-year-old favours a move to Anfield.

Van Nistelrooy has made it clear his is open to a return to the Premier League.

Rafael Benitez is desperate to bolster his strike force as his team fight for a place in the top-four.

It is understood that the Spaniard will be forced to sell to raise funds for any move, with Ryan Babel and Andriy Voronin expected to make way.