Liverpool reject Blues' bid for Babel
Birmingham have had their £8million bid for Ryan Babel rejected by Liverpool – but the player's agent has refused to close the door on a move.
Birmingham have had their £8million bid for Ryan Babel rejected by Liverpool – but the player's agent has refused to close the door on a move.
The Anfield club are believed to value the Holland star at around £12million but, despite Blues' first bid being knocked back, boss Alex McLeish is unlikely to be deterred in his pursuit of the winger.
New owner Carson Yeung is prepared to finance City's challenge for a Europa League place and McLeish is thought to have around £40million in his transfer kitty. That means a renewed move for Babel, who is unhappy with his lack of action at Anfield, could still be on the cards.
Claims from the £11.7million signing from Ajax's agent Winne Haatrecht that Liverpool are seriously considering selling the winger are sure to increase the hope around St Andrew's that a deal can be done.
He said: "We know that Liverpool are seriously thinking about selling him, but we shall only consider a transfer if the clubs have an agreement. Then we will see how Birmingham are building their squad, what the prospects are for the club and Ryan, and perhaps, after that an interview with the manager.
"I have sent details of all the interested clubs to Liverpool. There are about five or six of them. In general, Ryan still wants to succeed at Liverpool but, if the club concludes that it is better he leaves, we will have to think about the next chapter."
A measure of Blues' progress will come on Saturday when they host Manchester United in the Premier League. After losing to United on the opening day of the season, Blues have kicked on and are unbeaten in 11 top-flight games.
