Soccer:Liverpool forward Ryan Babel has agreed a move to German side Hoffenheim. The news comes just hours after manager Kenny Dalglish said the Dutchman would be staying at Anfield for the time being.
A brief statement on the Premier League club's official website read: "Ryan Babel has agreed a move to TSG 1899 Hoffenheim. The Dutch international will fly to Germany tomorrow to finalise the deal. The move comes six days after Liverpool accepted a bid for the 24 year old striker from the Bundesliga outfit."
Liverpool announced last Tuesday they had accepted a bid from Hoffenheim for Babel, who was given permission to travel to Germany and discuss personal terms. But that move appeared to break down and, when asked about the player's situation earlier today, Dalglish said: "He is staying here."
However, it seems there has now has been a change of plan. Hoffenheim are certainly keen to bring in a new attacker, with Demba Ba having announced on his official website that he is joining West Ham on loan until the end of the season.
Babel has struggled to nail down a first team place since joining for a fee in excess of €11 million from Ajax in 2007. The 24-year-old failed to convince both Rafael Benitez and then Roy Hodgson of his ability to impress regularly in the Premier League.
Babel had earlier indicated his preference would be for a return to Ajax and reports had suggested he could form part of a potential deal to bring the Amsterdam side's €23 million-rated striker Luis Suarez to Anfield.
