Hoffenheim have revealed they are not the only club trying to sign Liverpool winger Ryan Babel.
Babel has struggled to make an impact at Anfield since his big-money move from Ajax in 2007, and the Reds have now agreed to sell the Holland international to Hoffenheim for a fee of £6m.
But the Bundesliga side’s general manager Ernst Tanner is not expecting to wrap up a deal quickly, admitting there are other clubs interested in landing the Dutchman.
Tanner said: “Ryan Babel is in a situation where he is spoilt for choice. He can decide to go to a couple of clubs.
“As far as I am concerned, Babel isn't going to make a final decision on his next club this week. I don't expect a speedy decision.”
Meanwhile, Tanner also revealed want-away forward Demba Ba is likely to leave the Hoffe before the close of the current transfer window.
The Senegal international, who went AWOL from a training camp during the winter break, has failed a medical with Premier League side Stoke City but negotiations are continuing.
And Tanner added: “He's eager to move away and we have the plan to offload him.
“We have the desire to agree a permanent transfer. A loan move would only be a number two choice from our point of view.
“Anyway, we are free to consider anything in this respect.”