Rafa's £10m bid for Babel

Liverpool's offer for one of Holland's stars in this summer's European Under-21 Championship win was confirmed by the 20-year-old's agent and is further evidence of Benitez's determination to make inroads into the dominance of Chelsea and Manchester United.

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Next for Anfield? Babel could supply the ammunition for £20m Torres

Babel can operate down the flanks, as well as through the middle, and Benitez has earmarked him for a role on the wing, in a development that casts further doubt on his long-running pursuit of West Ham's Yossi Benayoun.

With West Ham — who wrapped up their £7.5m capture of Liverpool's Craig Bellamy last night — still holding out for at least £5m for their unsettled Israel midfielder, the Anfield manager is stepping up his efforts to prise Babel away from Ajax.

Babel made 27 league appearances last season, scoring five goals, and is seen by Benitez as the player who can bring the best out of Liverpool's £20m record signing Fernando Torres.

However, they may well need to up their offer to £12m — but, if that happens, Benitez would view it as a further sign that Liverpool owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have heeded his call for substantial transfer backing.

The Liverpool manager is still keen to land United's Argentina defender Gabriel Heinze. Benitez is prepared to table a £6m bid and can also offer Champions League football, although the 29-year-old also has a deal in place with Real Madrid.

Newcastle yesterday entered the race for Heinze, but if Liverpool win that particular contest, St James' Park boss Sam Allardyce — armed with new owner Mike Ashley's millions — could instantly switch his attention to John Arne Riise, who could find himself surplus to requirements at Anfield.