Report: Babel close to Fiorentina move

Hoffenheim attacker Ryan Babel is reportedly close to agreeing a deal with Fiorentina as the Serie A side push to sign him.

Florence daily La Nazione are tipping the 25-year-old winger to soon agree a contract within the financial parameters set by the Serie A outfit.

Agent Winnie Haatrecht had already eluded to a potential move to Italy earlier this week when he told Dutch sources: “I have received permission from Hoffenheim to try and close the affair with Fiorentina.”

Should negotiations fail to reach a mutual conclusion however, Fiorentina are expected to turn their attention to Catania striker Alejandro Gomez, who had previously worked with coach Vincenzo Montella the previous season.

Babel scored four goals in 31 Bundesliga matches last term, but ran afoul with officials and the league disciplinary committee on numerous occasions during a campaign rife with controversy.