Birmingham have reignited their interest in Ryan Babel. McLeish tried to buy Babel in January when Rafael Benitez was in charge of Liverpool - but was priced out by the Spaniard.

Things are very different now at Anfield though. Firstly, Roy Hodgson is in charge but more importantly the Reds are in deep financial trouble and McLeish plans to try again, according to the Daily Star.

Ryan Babel struggled to make an impact during Benitez's tenure and was largely reduced to watching the club's season crumble from the bench.

Hodgson has yet to reveal his plans for the Dutch striker although he did say just after taking over as coach that he hoped for minimal exits from Anfield.

Liverpool's change of sponsor this year to Standard Chartered meant that there would be two new Liverpool strips this season - and we can't decide which one we like more!

The new Liverpool Home Kit is in our famous red, whilst the away kit is white with red pinstripes.

Both are on offer at Red Hot Football - the soccer specialists.

Ryan Babel’s dream of going to the World Cup with the Netherlands could be seriously compromised by a right hamstring injury, the AP have reported.

As yet there has been no word of the gravity of the problem currently suffered by the 23-year-old, who has had a difficult campaign with club side Liverpool, struggling to gain regular first team minutes.

With 37 caps already to his name, Babel has been a regular member of the international setup for around three years and was likely to head to South Africa, though coach Bert van Marwijk must trim his provisional squad of 30 down to just 23. Doubtless he will take physical condition into account, and Babel’s latest set-back is sure to count against him in the final reckoning.

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Ryan Babel has conceded his actions were "stupid" when receiving a red card against Benfica, but the Liverpool forward believes referee Jonas Eriksson treated him harshly.

Babel was dismissed after 30 minutes for raising his hands to defender Luisao and Liverpool subsequently squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 at Estadio da Luz in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final.

Rafael Benitez was unhappy that Eriksson chose to dismiss Babel despite Luisao clattering Fernando Torres from behind to spark the row, claiming the decision was "difficult to understand".

And while Babel believes his behaviour did not warrant a dismissal, he has accepted culpability for the incident and pledged to avoid similar behaviour in future.

"The referee told me the red card was for touching Luisao's face - that was it," Babel said. "It was clear that Luisao had made an awful foul and all I wanted to do was back up Fernando.

"Too harsh maybe. In the end maybe it was a stupid, silly thing for me to touch him in the face, but I think a yellow card would have been fair enough. But if they are the rules...

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 with Liverpool, 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.