Liverpool are closing in on the signing of Ajax ace Ryan Babel after they upped their offer for the forward.
Babel's agent confirmed on Monday that Liverpool had lodged a bid for the highly-rated 20-year-old.
Babel was a member of the Holland squad for the 2006 World Cup and was also a star performer for the Under 21 team in the recent European Championship.
Liverpool's initial bid was believed to have been rejected by Ajax, but Rafa Benitez is thought to have increased his offer for the Dutch international as he looks to beat Arsenal to Babel's signature.
Ajax's technical director Martin van Geel has confirmed Liverpool have increased their bid for Babel and the Dutch giants are resigned to the versatile forward moving on.
"Liverpool are very serious about signing Babel and have made an offer a lot higher than before," van Geel told The Sun.
"Because they want him so much, I think we will lose him."
Babel has never hidden his desire to play in England and Benitez is hoping to push through a deal as he builds a squad capable of challenging for honours on all fronts.
Source : www.skysports.com
By Peter ORourke - Created on 10 Jul 2007
