Germans back in for Babel

Skysports.com understands Hoffenheim are trying to lure Ryan Babel away from Liverpool.

The Bundesliga side have held a long-term interest in Babel and have made moves to sign the Dutchman in the last two transfer windows.

Babel's future at Liverpool has again been the subject of conjecture with the 24-year-old failing to establish himself in Roy Hodgson's plans.

The former Ajax man has made just one Premier League start this season and Liverpool are thought to be open to offers for Babel.

Birmingham are also keen on Babel and are believed to have had a loan bid rejected for the forward.

Hoffenheim are thought to be ready to make a bid to sign Babel on a permanent basis as doubts surround the future of Demba Ba.

Any move for Babel depends on Liverpool being able to bring in a replacement as Hodgson does not want to leave himself short of options with the under-fire Reds boss already lacking strength in-depth in attack.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.