There was further speculation Babel was offered to Tottenham Hotspur as part of a deal to sign Peter Crouch, although Spurs manager Harry Redknapp claims that his own move for the Dutchman was rebuffed by Liverpool.

“We were interested in Ryan Babel,” he said. “He has got pace, he is lighting quick and he was a player we made an enquiry for, but we never got that close.”

Later yesterday afternoon, Babel – who last week spoke of reviving his Liverpool career under Hodgson – used his Twitter account to reaffirm his commitment to the club.

“I’m going nowhere,” he wrote. “LFC all the way. YNWA!!! (You’ll Never Walk Alone).”

Liverpool are also believed to have sounded out the possibility of a loan deal for Manchester City striker Roque Santa Cruz with the Paraguayan’s slated temporary move to Italian side Lazio having collapsed.

Following Insua out yesterday was Damien Plessis, with the 22-year-old French midfielder joining Greek side Panathinaikos for an undisclosed fee.

Plessis arrived from Lyon in the summer of 2007 but failed to make the required impact at Anfield, making just eight appearances and scoring one goal.

He joins a number of former Liverpool players at Panathinaikos, with the Greeks already boasting Luis Garcia, Djibril Cisse and Sebastian Leto.

Another departure was 24-year-old winger Nabil El Zhar, who has joined Greek side PAOK Salonika on loan until the end of the season, while young Dutch winger Vincent Weijl has completed a transfer to Spanish outfit SD Eibar.

The only other incoming signings were a brace of youngsters as Liverpool look to bolster their Academy set-up.

Spanish midfielder Suso – full name Jesus Joaquin Fernandez Saenz De La Torre – has completed a transfer from FC Cadiz on a scholarship agreement.

The 16-year-old impressed for the reserves during the summer to such an extent he was given a late run-out in the senior pre-season friendly at Kaiserslautern.

Meanwhile, Hungary Under-17 international Adam Hajdu has arrived from MTK Budapest on a temporary transfer until next June. Both transfers are subject to international clearance.

Liverpool’s Carling Cup third round tie against Northampton Town at Anfield will take place on Wednesday, September 22 with an 8pm kick-off.