Double dutch to rescue rafa

TARGET ... Ruud Van Nistelrooy

RUUD VAN NISTELROOY looks certain to complete a shock return to the Premier League with Liverpool in the next few days.

SunSport also understands the striker's Real Madrid and Holland team-mate Rafael van der Vaart may also join the Reds on loan until the end of the season.

It is a dramatic double swoop as under-fire boss Rafa Benitez desperately seeks to turn around a disastrous season.

Former Manchester United idol Van Nistelrooy, 33, is out of contract at the end of the season and is out of favour at Real.

The striker wants to resurrect his international career and go to the World Cup with Holland this summer.

DEAL ... Rafael van der Vaart

He knows that his first-team chances in Madrid will be limited as he is behind Gonzalo Higuain, Karim Benzema and Raul in boss Manuel Pellegrini's pecking order.

The only remaining detail to be sorted out is whether Liverpool will pick up the hitman's whopping £140,000-a-week pay package.

Benitez wants Madrid to pay part of his salary but the Spanish giants insist on getting him off their wage bill.

Moving to Anfield gives Van Nistelrooy the chance to get regular first-team action and push his claim for a call-up.

The Dutchman knows he will have to take a pay cut to get a long-term deal at Anfield - but first he will have to convince the Merseyside club he can still produce.

The former Old Trafford hero spent last season sidelined with a knee injury and, although he has returned to full fitness, he is short of match practice.

The Reds will hope veteran Van Nistelrooy can be the credible partner Spanish hitman Fernando Torres has badly needed all season.

Winger Van der Vaart, 26, was told he is surplus to Real's requirements in the summer but he has fought back to earn some playing time and has impressed.

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