Manchester City are targeting Liverpool midfielder Yossi Benayoun as the club prepare to splash the cash in January’s transfer window.

According to the News of the World, Manchester City coach Mark Hughes is said to be monitoring the Israeli’s situation after he was dropped by Reds boss Rafa Benitez for the club's 2-0 defeat against Chelsea last weekend.

With Hughes having been given carte-blanche by the club's wealthy Abu Dhabi owners to spend as he needs this January, the 29-year-old creative midfielder could just be what the blue half of Manchester needs to crack the top four.

Benayoun has never been able to cement a regular first team spot under Rafa Benitez, despite showing flashes of brilliiance when he has featured.

Indeed the fiery Spaniard used the former Hammer as a scapegaot following the recent defeat against Fiorentina earlier this month. With these events in mind coupled with City’s astronomical wages, any offer tabled could be too tempting to turn down for the international.

The Israeli captain was in action yesterday as Israel kept their slim chances of a play-off spot in Group 2 alive, by beating Moldova 3-1 at the Ramat Gan Stadium in Tel Aviv. The victory lifts them to within 2 points of the much coveted play-off place.