Babel 'arrives in London' amid transfer battle

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has arrived in London - with members of the Reds' medical staff in tow - to thrash out a move to either Spurs or West Ham before the transfer window closes at 18:00 BST.

The latest speculation suggests West Ham are leading the race to sign Babel, having offered the Anfield club Hammers striker Carlton Cole in exchange.

However, Spurs are still hopeful of scuppering Babel's proposed move to Upton Park and are said to have bid £10million - £1m more than the perceived value of the transfer offer from Avram Grant.

Liverpool's team of doctors are in London to conduct any on-the-spot medicals that may be needed in order to push through the transfer before the 6pm deadline.

And their first port of call is set to be the West Ham training ground at Chadwell Heath, although no medicals or paperwork will be completed until the negotiating teams from Liverpool, Spurs, and the Hammers have thrashed out a final agreement.

A further complication could see Spurs promise to loan Robbie Keane to their London rivals in a bid to grease the wheels for a transfer switch for Babel from Anfield to White Hart Lane.

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