Arsenal midfielder Andrey Arshavin could easily have joined Liverpool in January, it has been revealed.

The Sunday Mirror says the 27-year-old Russian playmaker rejected a move to Manchester City just seven days before he finally completed his switch from Zenit St Petersburg to the Emirates.

Anfield boss Rafa Benitez also targeted Arshavin after sanctioning Robbie Keane's return to Tottenham.

But negotiation over Keane's move to White Hart Lane were lengthy and by the time Liverpool moved for Arshavin he had already agreed terms with Arsenal.

"It could have been a different story if Liverpool hadn't waited so long," said a source close to the deal.

"As it was, he had already virtually signed for Arsenal when they made their interest known."