Report: Galatasary Looking To Swoop For Liverpool's Ryan Babel

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.

Ricky Brooks, Goal.com

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