Reds open talks with Babel
Liverpool are closing in on two more major signings
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Wednesday, 11, Jul 2007 02:24
Liverpool have confirmed they have been given permission to open talks with Ajax star Ryan Babel over a possible move to Merseyside.
The Reds, who have been chasing the 20-year-old since the beginning of the summer, were reported to have increased their bid in order to sign him ahead of Premiership rivals Arsenal.
The midfielder has also been linked to the Gunners' north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur but it appears Liverpool are leading the race to sign the playmaker, who was the Netherlands' star player in their successful European Under-21 Championship campaign.
"We're not quite there with Ryan Babel yet, but we've now been given permission by Ajax to talk to the player," Liverpool chief executive Rick Parry told the club's website.
"We hope to reach an agreement with Ajax very shortly."
Rafael Benitez is rumoured to have offered £10 million for Babel, although the Amsterdam club are holding out for their valuation of £13.5 million.
Liverpool are also progressing in their quest to sign West Ham United's Yossi Benayoun.
The two clubs have settled on a fee for the £4 million rated winger, Parry claimed, and a formal transfer will be confirmed once the two parties thrash out personal terms.
Benayoun had settled on a new five-year contract at Upton Park but complications delayed him signing the deal.
As a result Benitez was able to steal in and appears to be close to persuading the Israeli international that his future is at Anfield.