Blues prepare new bid for Ryan Babel

Birmingham are preparing to again test the waters of managerless Liverpool's determination to keep hold of winger Ryan Babel with a new bid.

The Merseysiders are understood to be willing to offload the temperamental Dutchman, alongside a host of other Anfield flops following Rafael Benitez's departure.

Blues boss Alex McLeish tried to sign Babel during the January transfer window, but failed to agree a deal with the club due to Benitez's £11million valuation of the 23-year-old.

But, with the manager now out of the picture, McLeish is hoping that a new bid for the Holland international, who is in Bert van Marwijk's squad at this summer's World Cup, will be successful after failing to lure Wigan Athletic winger Charles N'Zogbia to St Andrew's.