Birmingham boss Alex McLeish has been told Ryan
Babel will consider a move to St Andrews if a fee can be agreed
with Liverpool.
McLeish is understood to have had a £9million offer rejected by
the Reds for the 23-year-old striker who finds himself on the
periphery at Anfield.
The Holland international has started just three Barclays
Premier League games this season as he has primarily been used as a
substitute.
Although Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez is eager to raise funds
for his own transfer targets this month, the Blues will need to
make bid a figure closer to the £11.5million paid to Ajax for Babel
in 2007.
Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Babel's agent Winnie
Haatrecht said: "We know that Liverpool are seriously thinking
about the offer from Birmingham.
"We would consider a deal if both clubs come to an agreement.
"In general Ryan wants to succeed at Liverpool, but if the people
at Anfield conclude it's better he leaves, we have to think about
the next chapter in his career.
"We will look then to the team, the perspectives of the club and
Ryan, as well as a meeting with the manager."
With new owner Carson Yeung apparently providing a transfer
budget of £40million, City boss Alex McLeish is naturally being
linked with a welter of players.
McLeish is also believed to have failed with a £10million offer
for Celtic winger Aiden McGeady, whilst he is rumoured to be poised
to return to former club Rangers to prise away striker Kris
Boyd.
The Scot, meanwhile, is moving ever closer to landing long-term
target Michel from Sporting Gijon.
Sporting have authorised the £3million transfer for the
midfielder as they are desperate for the funds.
Sporting president Manuel Vega Arango said: "We have convinced
the technical staff this (the deal) is for the best, because we
have to improve the financial situation at the club.
"I understand (coach) Manuel Preciado was keen to limit the
damage to the squad, but this is what we have to do."
