The Dutch veteran has been struggling to play regularly with the Spanish titans this term, and now he's reportedly close to starting a new adventure.

Real have been keen to keep hold of their players in the January transfer window, all the same, they will allow Van Nistelrooy to leave.

The 33-year-old is understood to be eager to join a club where he can play on a regular basis because he wants to represent Holland in the 2010 World Cup.

Van Nistelrooy has featured for Real only once this season, having scored on his sole appearance.

The experienced hitman retired from international football after EURO 2008, but he had a change of heart as the World Cup approaches.

Marca also referred that Liverpool will snap up Van Nistelrooy should Real give him the thumb up to leave.