Gunners in shock Reds link

Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is offering Ryan Babel to Arsenal chief Arsene Wenger in a shock deadline-beating deal.

The Kop chief needs Babel to leave to give him funds for his top target Kenwyne Jones at Sunderland - and he is negotiating with Wenger about a buy or an exchange.

Babel has already snubbed a straight swap with Sunderland and is turning his nose up at Birmingham, but he would be keen on a dream move to the Emirates

Marseille are also now showing an interest in the former Ajax star - who would also jump at the chance of a move to the French club.

This will disappoint Black Cats boss Steve Bruce who had come around to the idea of a Babel-Jones swap deal.

At first, Bruce wasn't interested in the switch but then had a change of heart and was willing to strike up a deal.

And now Benitez is hoping that Wenger will take a chance on the Dutchman who would fit in with Arsenal's style.

Wenger is giving the deal some thought and Hotline can reveal that the dialogue between the two bosses has been going on for days.

Benitez has asked Wenger if he can have cash for Babel, but the £11million asking price is too high.

However there is the option of a swap involving Spaniard Fran Merida. Merida is out of contract in the summer, so Arsenal could be willing to trade.

The talks will continue over the weekend, with Benitez needing to boost his fund to land £12m-rated Jones.

Also on Benitez's radar is Babel's countryman Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, who needs regular games to cement his place in this summer's World Cup in South Africa and is seeking a loan move away from AC Milan.

Huntelaar has started just four of Milan's 19 Serie A games this season, managing just three goals since his £20m summer move from Real Madrid.

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