Blues' move for Babel moves closer

Birmingham City's move for Ryan Babel appears to moving closer after the Liverpool winger's agent claimed his client is considering a move to St Andrew's.

Blues had an offer of £8m rejected for the Dutch international earlier this month, amid claims Babel himself had shunned the approach.

But now it seems the 23-year-old, who has attracted attention from a several foreign clubs, is now ready to consider a switch to St Andrew's after being told by manager Rafa Benitez he can leave Anfield.

Babel's agent Winnie Haatrecht said: "Birmingham is still a possibility. It would be simpler for Ryan to continue in the Premier League, a competition he knows well.

"We're actually studying an offer."

Blues' move for Villa midfielder Craig Gardner is also stalling at the moment, primarily over add-on clauses in the £3.5m deal.

The club could also be turning their attentions to Spurs' Roman Pavlyuchenko, after wages prevented them signing Sunderland's Kenwyne Jones after an £11million bid.

But Martin Taylor could be on his way out of St Andrew's, after Championship club Leicester were given permission to speak to the defender.

According to reports in the Far East, Blues have inquired about Ulsan Tigers' Yeom Ki-Hun, who could be available on loan with a view to a £1million transfer.

Zheng Zhi and Shao Jiayi are two Chinese midfielders thought to have been recommended to Blues by one of Yeung's advisers, Fan Zhiyi.