Newcastle Transfers: Why Ryan Babel Would Be a Great Buy for the Toon

As the transfer window continues, so does Newcastle United's search for some new additions as they head into the start of the Premier League season this month.

After missing out on Luuk de Jong—who instead signed for Borrusia Monchengladbach—it appears that the Magpies are hunting for a third striker to go behind their deadly duo of Demba Ba and Papiss Cisse.

The Toon have been linked with former striker Andy Carroll recently, and according to the BBC, they even put in a loan bid for his services, which was quickly rejected for Liverpool.

But despite their eagerness to bring the striker back home, it appears instead that Carroll will be either staying with Liverpool or leaving for West Ham, with the two clubs agreeing on a £2 million loan deal, according to The Telegraph.

If the Hammers were to opt to keep the striker permanently next year, the move would cost them a total of £19 million, and though Carroll would be a nice addition, this is not a fee they should be looking to match.

For a player who isn't even going to start, Newcastle should instead be looking for options within a more sensible price range, which, for the most part, has been the transfer philosophy ever since manager Alan Pardew got here.

Former Liverpool striker, Ryan Babel, would fit the bill in that sense, as his current club Hoffenheim are only looking for £5 million (according to Mail Online) in return for his imminent departure.

Newcastle are reportedly one of three teams interested in the Dutch forward—along with Fulham and Swansea—and he'd be a very solid signing if brought in for that price.

The striker has had a horrid time since joining Hoffenheim last year, scoring only five goals in 46 appearances, and just generally not living up to expectations.

Before that, he had shown flashes over a four-year stint with Liverpool, but never once did he truly justify the £11.5 million they paid for him.

But for less than half of that price, Babel would be worth the risk for Newcastle, as he'd finally be in a situation where, rather than being expected to lead the way as a starter, he could instead be used as a back-up off the bench.

Babel's speed and energy could be very useful to the Magpies when brought on as a substitute, and he's the sort of player that could complement Shola Ameobi if and when Ba and Cisse have to leave for the African Cup of Nations.

As disappointing as he's been so far in his career, we must remember that he's still only 25 and could still have a very bright future ahead of him.

There's a reason that Babel has been playing for the Netherlands since the under-17 level, and if he does follow through and bring the striker to Newcastle, Pardew must believe that he will be able to finally get the best out of him.

We saw it happen last season with Hatem Ben Arfa, who finally made good on his talent, and if signed Babel could be next in line.

He's not the most popular player right now, but for such a small fee, that £5 million could be considered a worthy investment some time down the line.