Nemanja Matic
Nemanja Matic has excelled since joining Benfica in the summer of 2011. [Reuters]

Liverpool are interested in signing Benfica midfielder Nemanja Matic in the January transfer window as manager Brendan Rodgers looks to further strengthen his squad.

The Reds have begun the season in impressive fashion and there is a feeling of excitement among supporters that they could genuinely challenge for the league title, or at least make a long-awaited return to the Champions League.

Rodgers worked hard over the summer of bring in several new signings but has admitted that he will look to further strengthen when the transfer window opens in the New Year.

It seems as though Rodgers already has one target in mind with Portuguese publication O Jogo reporting that Liverpool are keen to lure Matic back to the Premier League after an unsuccessful spell at Chelsea.

The 25 year old was on Chelsea's books for two years but failed to make a significant impact as he made just two league appearances and spent much of his time out on loan to Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem.

However, the Serbia international has since impressed at Benfica having joined the Portuguese club as part of the deal that saw David Luiz make the move to Stamford Bridge in the summer of 2011.

Matic helped Benfica reach the Europe League final, where they lost 2-1 to Chelsea, and was named as the Primeira Liga player of the year after the club narrowly missed out on the league title to bitter rivals Porto.

Liverpool are likely to face stiff competition for Matic's signature, with former club Chelsea said to be monitoring his situation. The classy midfielder even admitted that it would be hard to turn down the chance to work with Jose Mourinho.

"To be honest I want to stay in Lisbon for another year. But of course, if someone like Jose Mourinho wants to bring me back to London, that would be a chance to prove that I can play in the Premier League," said Matic.

Should Liverpool continue to push the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Chelsea at the top of the table come January then it is likely that Rodgers will look to bring in reinforcements.

Matic may well be on the radar but it will be no easy job convincing Benfica to part with one of their star performers and it is likely that they will demand a significant fee for the instrumental midfielder.