Wolfsburg line up shock £9m deal for Liverpool midfielder

Liverpool are ready to sell flying Dutchman Ryan Babel to Steve McClaren's German giants Wolfsburg in a shock £9 million deal.

Babel is wanted by McClaren's wealthy club and talks between the clubs were at an advanced stage last night.

Boss Roy Hodgson has overlooked Babel so far as he plans for the season and it is up to the former Ajax player to accept the move as Wolfsburg will pay the fee.

The Babel sale would be a surprise windfall for Liverpool who have been trying to move out unwanted fringe men all summer without too much success.

Hodgson thinks he can do without Babel, whose erratic style has failed to impress since Rafa Benitez bought him a couple of years ago. The money would help with the club's finances while they sort out their potential takeover.

Babel was also wanted by Birmingham City but Wolfsburg are the clear leaders in the race.

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