Liverpool could make a January move to prise Lassana Diarra away from Real Madrid after being told that he is unsettled at the Spanish club, according to a report in The People.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez wants to add to his midfield options and believes that the former Chelsea and Arsenal star could be the answer.

Since joining Madrid in January from Portsmouth, Diarra has been a revelation in la Primera Division and is a regular alongside Xabi Alonso in Manuel Pellegrini’s team.

Despite that, the British newspaper believes that he is not happy in Spain and has told friends that he would welcome a return to English football, with Anfield providing the perfect platform.

The report suggests that Diarra would make up for the loss of Alonso in the summer and may even allow Benitez to cash in on the want-away Javier Mascherano.

While the French midfielder is more defensive than creative, his attacking side has shone at Madrid. Meanwhile, his tackling and tracking back have seen him become a favourite at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Barcelona still want Mascherano and if they make their interest concrete then Liverpool will contact Madrid about Diarra, who has played for four clubs in four seasons.