A report in the News of the World this morning claims Liverpool will look to sell Ryan Babel to Ajax in the January transfer window in order to finance a new contract for goalkeeper Pepe Reina.

Chris Bascombe writes: "Ryan Babel will jet back home to Ajax in January if Liverpool get £6million for the striker. Boss Rafa Benitez has stood by the Dutch flop, 22, and offered him a fresh chance this season. But his patience has run out and Benitez will listen to offers."

Bascombe adds: "Babel started the campaign in the first team but failed to respond to the manager's votes of confidence. The winger is worried about his World Cup place and hoped for a loan move last summer, which Benitez blocked. He needs funds before sealing a new £90,000-a-week deal for keeper Pepe Reina. Securing Reina, 27, has become a top priority amid interest from his ex-club Barcelona."

Ryan Babel is contracted to Liverpool until the end of the 2011/2012 campaign. This season he has made eight appearances in the Premier League and Champions League, scoring two goals and providing one assist.

The 22-year-old Dutchman made another substitute appearance yesterday in the 3-1 defeat at Fulham, Babel has not started a Premier League game since the opening day defeat at Tottenham.