Tottenham are eyeing Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.

The Daily Mail says Babel has been told his Anfield career is effectively over following showdown talks between his agent and Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez.

The 22-year-old Holland forward brought matters to a head by requesting a meeting with Benitez to discuss his growing frustration at being on the fringes for most of the two years since his £10m arrival from Ajax.

His adviser Winnie Haatrecht made it clear Babel was looking for assurances that he would have more opportunities next season.

Benitez refused to give any and stunned Haatrecht by telling him he was free to start looking for another club for the Anfield misfit.

Although Babel's unconvincing form limited him to just six League starts this season, Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp may be tempted to try and turn his career round and help him justify Marco van Basten's claim that he could develop into another Thierry Henry.