Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is reportedly preparing a sensationanl swoop for Arsenal legend and Inter Milan midfielder Patrick Vieira as he seeks to turn round his side's faltering campaign.

The Belfast Telegraph claims the Spaniard is keen to add some steel to his midfield engine room and is lining up a bold move to bring the 33-year-old to Anfield in the New Year.

Vieira has been out of favour at the San Siro under Jose Mourinho and having only made a handful of starts for the Nerazzurri this season is open to a switch as he targets a place in Raymond Domenech's France World Cup squad.

The Senegal-born ace is said to be keen on return to the Premier League where he plied his trade with Arsenal for nine years and would be a welcomed addition to the heart of the Reds' midfield.

Argentina captain Javier Mascherano and the much-maligned Lucas Leiva have both been both been heavily criticised this season, and new summer signing Alberto Aquilani has yet to kick a Premier League ball in anger.

Having been eliminated from the UEFA Champions League and with their hopes of claiming a first league crown in 20 years appearing over, Benitez may well see Vieira as the man to help the club secure a top four spot.