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Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is continuing to monitor the form of Uruguayan striker Luis Suarez in regards to a January move.

The Ajax star has been in superb form in Holland with reports from the Dutch press suggesting a swap deal involving Ryan Babel and £5m will see the creative star move to Anfield.

Suarez has been playing in Holland for the past three and a bit seasons and has consistently scored goals whether playing on the flanks or just behind the main striker. Last season was his best tally so far after scoring 22 goals in 31 league appearances (30 starts).

Just when you thought the ghost of the Anfield Rap had finally been laid to rest - step forward Ryan Babel.

The Dutch international has teamed up with UK rap star Sway to record a track on his upcoming album.

Sway revealed, "Ryan Babel is a sick rapper. The way he flips his flow is marvellous, so I wanted him to do a bit - half Dutch, half British, and he really pulled it off. I think it's a track that people are gonna like."

He might have failed to get his Anfield career rocking, but by the sounds of it, John Barnes has finally met his match!

Liverpool’s Dirk Kuyt and Ryan Babel have been called up to the Holland squad for the forthcoming international friendly against England.

Yes that’s right, just as we’re settled and ready to kick-off the new Premier League season, there’s an international there to throw the spanner in the works.

Kuyt and Babel join Arsenal’s Robin van Persie and Manchester City’s Nigel de Jong in Bert van Marwijk for the friendly on August 12th.

Steven Gerrard and Glen Johnson are expected to be called up by Fabio Capello to represent England.

Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez has tipped Ryan Babel to become a major force at Anfield this season.

Benitez paid over £10million to bring the 22-year-old winger to England from Ajax in July 2007 but Babel has since struggled to hold down a permanent first-team place. But having now spent two years in England, the Spaniard feels Babel is ready to step up and make his mark in the coming campaign.

"We are really impressed with him this year because he came back after the summer really fit, he's trying to do his best and it is very positive when you have a player with talent," Benitez said. "The first two years is always difficult in another country but I think if you have the right mentality like he has now, he will improve."

Liverpool face Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday in the first leg of a two-match tour that also takes in Singapore.

Xabi Alonso, who has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid, has travelled with the squad and Benitez refused to be drawn on speculation a reported £30million move to the Spanish capital was imminent despite the player being quoted in the Spanish press indicating he would welcome a return to his homeland.

"Xabi Alonso is here with us so he will be available," he stressed..

"One thing that you need to understand is the Spanish press. The future of Xabi Alonso is to enjoy being here with the people of Thailand and the weather and the game. The next week he will be here."

Liverpool coach Rafa Benitez has confirmed that Ryan Babel is set to fulfil his potential.

After signing from Ajax for £11.5 million two years ago, the Dutch winger has yet to hold down a first team place after some inconsistent performances.

But Benitez believes that we are now about to see the real Ryan Babel. Ahead of today's friendly against Thailand he told the Liverpool Echo: “We have been really impressed with Ryan.

“He worked hard in the summer and he came back really fit.

“He’s trying to do his best and that’s very positive when you have a player with his talent.

“The first two years in a foreign country are always difficult. Now he has the right mentality and I’m sure he will improve."

Babel had been linked with a move away from Anfield, with West Ham reportedly interested, but that now appears very unlikely.

Turkcell Super Lig giants Galatasaray are looking to pounce for Liverpool's Ryan Babel during the close-season, according to a report in the British tabloid The Daily Mail.

Apparently, newly appointed Cim Bom head coach Frank Rijkaard has identified the 22-year-old as a primary target this summer.

It is thought that the Istanbul-based outfit's board will sanction an €9.5 million (£8m) offer for the 33-time capped Netherlands forward, who can play on either wing or as a striker.

Although it is thought that the former Ajax star has become frustrated with his limited appearances in the starting XI, in May his agent moved to quash reports that he is looking to leave Anfield.

Furthermore, should Babel decide he does need to move on from Merseyside to further his career, it is claimed he would much prefer a switch to either Italy or Spain than Turkey.

Since joining Liverpool for around €13.5m (£11.5m) in 2007, the 6ft star has scored 14 goals in 91 appearances, 49 of them as a substitute.

Liverpool's forgotten man Ryan Babel insists youth will no longer be an excuse if he once again flops at Anfield next season.

The winger, who can also play as a central striker, has made just six league starts in his second campaign on Merseyside, following an £11.5million move from Ajax in summer 2007.

"In December I'll be 23. When you reach that age, then in my eyes you aren't a potential talent any more," Babel said.

"Next season age isn't an excuse any more, and that's an excuse trainers use too often, saying 'You're young and you have the time'," he added.

Babel was hailed as potentially the next Thierry Henry upon his arrival in the Barclays Premier League, but the promise shown in glimpses during his debut season has not developed into anything more substantial.

Reds manager Rafael Benitez signed Albert Riera last summer to fill the left-wing berth that Babel had failed to make his own, and the Dutchman admits he is fast running out of time to prove his worth.

"My goal this season was to progress to a higher level and be in the starting line-up. But they brought in another left forward in the summer and he's been playing regularly," Babel added.

"But I have patience and I know that I have to work hard and I have to show the manager that I am ready and have earned the right to be picked."

Liverpool winger Ryan Babel hopes to show next season that he is ready to fulfil his potential.

The Dutchman was regarded as an exciting prospect for the future when he arrived at Anfield from Ajax in 2007.

He has shown glimpses of his ability but has struggled to hold down a regular starting spot and realises it is now time to deliver.

The 22-year-old accepts that he can no longer hide behind his youth and he is determined to establish himself as a key player with the Reds.

"You are a talent until you are 23," Babel told the Dutch Football Association's official website.

"At that moment you can't say 'Sorry I am just a young player'. At that moment you have gained enough experience to play a major role.

"Coaches say 'You are still young, you have time'. But they won't say that about Lionel Messi. He is young and he is good, so he will play."