Anderlecht have admitted that they want to sign Fulham striker Bryan Ruiz during the January transfer window, but only if they fail to land their first choice.

The former Gent player recently conceded that he would be willing to return to the Belgian Jupiler League, although Anderlecht's ideal acquisition next month would be Porto star Steven Defour.

"He is on our list. Ruiz is a good player, but not our first choice," Anderlecht general manager Herman van Holsbeeck told Het Laatste Nieuws. "I have a plan A, a plan B and a plan C and I'm happy my plan A hasn't been leaked yet.

"Of course we know Ruiz's qualities. We have made a list of players who will go to the World Cup, but aren't playing regularly. Ruiz is on it, but so are others.

"Anderlecht will be a good option for [Defour]. Let's say he joins Fulham, then he will have to settle again. At Anderlecht he will be the star. If he wants to be sure of his place in the Belgian World Cup squad, then we are a perfect option. Steven is an intelligent guy. I think he knows this."

Ruiz is yet to start for Fulham under temporary boss Rene Meulensteen.