Real Madrid’s van Nistelrooy to reject Arsenal for Liverpool

Real Madrid striker Ruud van Nistelrooy is getting closer to a move to Liverpool after reportedly rejecting advances from Arsenal.

The Dutchman has been told he can leave Madrid after Christmas as he seeks regular first team football to enhance his chances of being selected for Holland’s World Cup squad.

Reds boss Rafael Benitez has identified van Nistelrooy as a player who can improve the teams poor goalscoring record in recent times and the fact the former Manchester United man has basically turned down a move to Emirates Stadium makes it realistic that he could land at Anfield.

It is unclear whether it will be a loan deal or if Benitez will have to raise funds to capture the 33-year old but if it is the latter, he has options to sell in the shape of Andrei Voronin, Ryan Babel and Andrea Dossena.