ACCORDING to Sky Sports, Clint Dempsey has been left out of Fulham’s squad for their opening Premier League fixture against Norwich at Craven Cottage on Saturday.
The American has been a long-term target for Liverpool as they seek to re-shape under new manager Brendan Rodgers.
Dempsey, who scored 17 Premier League goals for the Cottagers last term, has made it clear to his current boss Martin Jol that he is determined to move to Anfield come what may and has been training alone since opting out of Fulham’s pre-season tour of Switzerland.
Speaking to reporters, current Fulham boss Martin Jol stated:
“Clint was not involved over the last four weeks so he is not going to be in the squad. He is not committed to the club. He wants to leave.
“I would like to keep him, but I think it’s impossible. It’s a sad and an almost embarrassing situation.”
Jol, who is resigned to losing the 29 year old forward, is upset that that Liverpool’s interest has entered the public domain, without a firm offer having been tabled. Furthermore, the Dutchman insists that the club will not let him go for less than he is worth, despite the USA international being in the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage.
“That was very disappointing,” he went on.
“There was never an offer. Clint himself told everyone he was going to Liverpool before he came back so we really thought there was quite a firm interest in him.
“Even [Rodgers] told everyone he was interested in Clint Dempsey, but our people never had an offer on the table, so it’s almost embarrassing. If you have shown interest in a player, especially in England, you have to follow it up with an offer. They didn’t.”
Jol finished with a warning for Liverpool and any other potential suitors:
“I can assure you that our chairman is strong enough. At first we didn’t want to get rid of him, later on we had to change our position.
“But our view is that we won’t let Clint Dempsey go on the cheap, that’s for sure.”
Whether a deal is thrashed out between the two clubs remains to be seen. However, tonight’s Liverpool Echo now claim that the Reds are no longer interested in signing the player.
You can catch up with Neil on Twitter @Neil1980 and on his blog http://itsallinthegameblog.wordpress.com/
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Jol- let go dude
with the tough season starting tommorow with the renew with world class players man united.arsenal.chelsea.tothanam and man city how we goin to syrvive? i think liverpool muuuuuuuust its a must to sign clint dempsey atlaest sign a player we know for seasons who scores alot without him i dont see liverpool playingchampions leageu ever again so come on liverpool
ever again? don’t be so naive mate.
lol omg that post is hilarious.
If Dempsey was stupid enough to believe what the UK press print then it’s his own fault. but Joll has to bear some blame for putting such an outrageous price on him in the first place, the guy is only a few months shy of his 30th birthday. Any club is entitled to make an enquiry, that doesn’t constitute a definite offer. City made an offer for Agger and were politely told what to do with it. but the crooked UK hackers still keep saying he is leaving.
Stupid carry on by Fulham putting a ridiculous value on Dempsey,they may be left with a very un happy player, who may walk free at end of season,Should have taken Charlie & cut their losses, .At this stage its a right mess that will surely end bitter.
I don’t mind if we wait until January and get him on a free. He’s a very good player — the type you would rather have than play against.
good call.