Birmingham rekindle interest in Babel

Birmingham City have entered the race to sign in-demand Hamilton midfielder James McArthur and are to revive their interest in Liverpool's Ryan Babel.

McArthur is also a target for Wigan Athletic, Leeds United, Cardiff City and Rangers.

Wigan had been the favourites to sign the 22-year-old having signed his former Hamilton teammate James McCarthy last summer.

But his agent Willie McKay said: "There are a few clubs who have made their interest known to Hamilton, and we're waiting to see what happens next."

Birmingham manager Alex McLeish is also ready to rekindle an £8million move for Liverpool's Ryan Babel and will make a check on his other striker target South African Katlego Mphela of Mamelodi Sundowns at the World Cup.

The 25-year-old is raw but was top scorer in the country last season with 17 goals. Palermo striker Fabrizio Miccoli, however, is McLeish's main target.

Birmingham have already had an initial approach for Miccoli rejected and they hope to tempt Palermo into selling the 30-year-old by offering £4million.

Babel would prefer to take stock of Liverpool's managerial change before opting to leave Anfield although a good offer could be hard for cash-strapped Liverpool to resist.

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.