Way out: Babel could be released from his Anfield
hell
Frank Rijkaard is ready to announce his arrival as
Galatasaray manager by offering to end Ryan Babel’s mounting
frustration at Liverpool.
As Rafa Benitez looks to tie up the £17m signing of Glen Johnson
today, former Barcelona coach Rijkaard will attempt to replenish
Liverpool’s coffers with an £8m offer for his Dutch compatriot.
Rijkaard was appointed by Galatasaray earlier this month and
funds are unlikely to be a stumbling block, but convincing Babel to
make a fresh start in Turkey might be.
Babel has become exasperated with his lack of opportunities
since leaving Ajax in a
£12million deal two years ago.
He is believed to favour a move to Spain or Italy, though, if he
cannot attract interest from another Premier League club.
Liverpool hope to finalise Johnson’s move from Portsmouth
tonight and signal the
end of a six-month pursuit of the England right back.
Anfield-bound: Johnson
Sportsmail
exclusively revealed Liverpool’s move for Johnson last month and,
despite strong interest from Chelsea and inquiries from Bayern
Munich and Manchester City, the defender is intent on heading to
Anfield.
The deal will pave the way for Real Madrid’s £8m bid for
Liverpool’s Spanish defender Alvaro Arbeloa.
Liverpool have also placed a £2m offer for Portsmouth defender
Sylvain Distin.
Meanwhile, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has revealed he is
considering retirement at the end of his current contract in
2013.
Gerrard said: ‘I’ll be 33 and it’s doubtful whether I’ll carry
on. If I decide to stop, I’ll be
proud of the fact I’ve spent my entire career with the same club.
‘In 2005 Chelsea was a temptation, but I’m glad I never turned
those thoughts into reality.’