Former Manchester United star Ruud van Nistelrooy is likely to leave Real Madrid in January it has been reported.

The Holland striker wants to gain more regular first team football ahead of next year's World Cup and does not believe the Santiago Bernabeu is a good place for that to happen.

The 33-year old has come under an injury cloud in recent times meaning clubs may be wary to jump at the chance to sign him but he knows that when he is fully fit he has plenty to offer.

"I want to play. I still haven't spoken to Manuel Pellegrini because I'm still recovering (from injury) but when I am ready I will speak to him," he said.

"If I do not get minutes, that will give me a reason to leave in January.

"My intention is to play at the World Cup with Holland. If I do not play (club football), that will be impossible because I need to be able to prove that I can still play at the level I did a few months ago."

The news is likely to alert Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp who showed interest in van Nistelrooy in the summer but a deal did not eventuate.

Reports emanating from Spain also have the Dutchman linked with the big-spending Manchester City.