Fulham and Liverpool are being linked with Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The Daily Star says Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp would be interested in the 33-year-old as well as Fulham's Roy Hodgson, who failed with a bid for Peter Crouch in the summer. Even Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez could consider an offer given his lack of attacking options and injury-ravaged squad.

Van Nistelrooy said: "If I do not get the chance to play in the next couple of weeks then the option to move on in January is very real and open. I need to speak with the new Dutch coach Bert Van Marwijk about returning to the national squad, but I know that is impossible if I do not play at Real Madrid.

''If things do not change then I will need to study my situation and consider my options in January. I have not closed anything with any club and I would be interested in going back to England."