Source: Telegraph
Liverpool look to swap Ryan Babel for Tottenham's Roman Pavlyuchenko
Rafael Benitez is in dire need of a forward to provide support for Fernando Torres and is understood to have been a long-time admirer of Pavlyuchenko. [LNB]The Russian has made no secret of his desire to leave Tottenham, having slumped to Harry Redknapp's fourth choice striker behind Jermain Defoe, Peter Crouch and Robbie Keane. And, according to Pavlyuchenko's agent, there is plenty of interest coming in. [LNB] Related ArticlesSteven Gerrard hails Alberto Aquilani despite defeatBenitez: Arsenal game begins 'new season'Welcome Aquilani, the alternative to AlonsoComplacency will be Liverpool's worst enemy in Europa LeagueI am not a diver, says David NgogLiverpool drop plans for mosaic on the Kop"We are not happy about his situation at Tottenham," Oleg Artemov said earlier this week. "So we'll do everything to ensure he can change club in January. There were contacts with Roma, but for now only by telephone. Spartak Moscow, Arsenal and Zenit St Petersburg are also interested in the player - anything can happen."[LNB]As for Babel, according to the Mail, Benitez has grown tired of the Dutchman's run of poor form, not to mention his public groans about discontent with life in Liverpool. [LNB]Babel, however, is determined to fight to keep his place. [LNB]"I feel confident that I'm good enough to play a lot of games for Liverpool," he said this week. "I keep saying this. Hopefully, I'll get chances to show this. For every player it's nice to go to the World Cup and it's very important to do that in your career. [LNB]"As far as I'm concerned, the way to do that is to fight for my place at Anfield, definitely." [LNB]If ever a deal was to materialise, however, Tottenham would be in the driving seat due to Liverpool's well-aired financial woes which dictate that their only option to bring in fresh legs in January is to ship out players like Babel, who at 22 years-old is without a doubt the club's best bargaining tool.[LNB]
