Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is reportedly weighing up a double raid for West Ham's defensive duo Matthew Upson and Herita Ilunga, in an attempt to cash in on the Hammers financial problems.

Upson impressed for England against Brazil on Saturday, and is now a firm favourite to land a place in Fabio Capello's World Cup squad, while marauding left-back Ilunga has been impressing for Gianfranco Zola's side this season.

Benitez is aware that the Hammers are in a great deal of financial distress and may have little choice but to part with some of their stars in January, with Carlton Cole another who has been mooted for a move away from East London.

Upson, 30, recently admitted he would consider his future at Upton Park were another club to come in with an attractive offer, and Rafa is apparently ready to table a £15million bid for the former Arsenal man and his Congolese team-mate.

'Rafa' is keen to bring in reinforcements for his creaking defence, which has shipped over twice as many goals as Premier League leaders Chelsea this season, while out of favour left-back Andrea Dossena looks set for a return to Serie A in January.

However, West Ham's Icelandic owners are desperate to hold on the club's stars, finances permitting, for fear that a January fire sale would leave Zola alienated at the club and tempted to walk out on the relegation strugglers.