Betfair blogger Phil Tomlinson feels that Ryan Babel should cut his losses at Liverpool.

Liverpool forward Ryan Babel could be on his way to Birmingham and for the good of the Dutch star's career the move can not come soon enough. It's fair to say that things have not worked out for Babel at Anfield.

The 23-year-old was snapped up for £11.5 million by Rafa Benitez in 2007 after some impressive displays at the under-21 European Championships. Benitez was so impressed he handed the former Ajax man a five-year deal, but he has not forced his way into the first team and has become the forgotten man at Liverpool.

Babel has only made three Premier League starts this season despite injuries to Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard and in his two-and-a-half years with the Reds he has made only 67 appearances.

His career has stalled on Merseyside after his displays for the Dutch under-21s promised so much.

The pacey forward has never really been given a fair crack of the whip at Liverpool - surprising really when you consider the money and the contract that he was handed by Benitez.

It is believed Babel is desperate to succeed at Anfield, but midway through his five-year deal it looks as though he might have to cut his losses and move on. And a move to upwardly-mobile Birmingham could be the ideal destination.

Alex McLeish's men are in eighth place in the Premier League and are currently on an 11-match unbeaten run and they could look to bring in fresh faces to boost their Europa League Qualification odds.

The Midlanders have recently changed ownership and the new men at the helm have cash to spend on team strengthening meaning Babel is a realistic target.

Any prospective move for Babel would surely inject him with a new lease of life and coming into a winning team would make the switch for Babel a more comfortable one.

If McLeish, unlike Benitez, is prepared to put his faith in Babel and give him a long run in the side then Birmingham will benefit from his direct approach and might just polish up a diamond.

In other sports news, the odds for this year's Cheltenham races have already started to hot up and could be worth keeping an eye on.