Newcastle have entered discussions with former Fulham and Liverpool forward Ryan Babel, according to Eurosport reporter Manu Lonjon.
Turkish Football have also jumped on the story, claiming ourselves and Aston Villa are keen on the Dutch winger; who’s reportedly handed in a transfer request at Galatasaray.
He showed moments of brilliance during his brief spell with Fulham last season, bagging 5 goals and 4 assists in 16 games, but has just turned 33, making him anything but a Mike Ashley player.
Here’s what Lonjon has had to say, stating “Newcastle and Ajax have started discussions regarding Ryan Babel”:
Rafa Benitez was linked with a move for the 33-year-old last April, with it reported at the time that he’d leave Fulham on a free should they go down (which they did).
As we know, nothing came of it, with the winger instead completing a move to Galatasaray, but it’s now reported that we’re keen to bring him back to England.
He has experience, he’s relatively versatile and he made a real impact during a brief spell with Fulham last season, however it’ll mean desperate times for Ashley and Bruce if we’re signing a 33-year-old mercenary at this stage of the season.
That aside, I can see him opting to rejoin former club Ajax if their reported interest proves to be genuine.
Ryan Babel ,he’s a bit past his best now, think they need someone just a little younger and with pace.
Daniel Smirnov(Quote)