FULHAM are reportedly close to tying up a six-month loan deal for former Liverpool flop Ryan Babel.

The 32-year-old is currently plying his trade for Besiktas in Turkey.

3 Ryan Babel could be set for a return to the Premier League with Fulham Credit: Afp or licensors

But his contract there runs out at the end of the season and he hasn't agreed terms for a new one.

Now according to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, Besiktas are prepared to loan him out for the rest of the season, after which he will become a free agent.

And Fulham look set to win the race to sign the Dutch international.

Cottagers boss Claudio Ranieri faces a hectic January transfer window as he attempts to pull his side out of the Premier League relegation zone.

3 Ryan Babel has been playing for Besiktas in Turkey since 2017 Credit: Getty

3 Ryan Babel signed for Liverpool in 2007 and was supposed to deliver big things - sadly he flopped at Anfield Credit: PA:Empics Sport

A 2-1 defeat to Burnley, where the victors bagged the three points without having a shot on target, means Fulham are five points from safety.

Babel spent four largely unsuccessful seasons with Liverpool after joining for £11.5m from Ajax in 2007.

He was shipped off to German outfit Hoffenheim in January 2011, with the Reds managing to claw back £8m for the flop.

He went on to return to his first club, Ajax, and has also played for Kasimpasa, Al Ain, Deportivo La Coruna and then Besiktas.

Babel has featured 54 times for Holland, scoring eight times.