The flirting continues between Dempsey and Liverpool. On reading the rumor mill of newspaper headlines you'd think that Liverpool would be close to landing Clint Dempsey. Really it's anyones guess the status of talks between Reds manager Brendan Rodgers and Dempsey. Reported on nearly every outlet from the Daily Mail to Bleacher Report, " Rodgers has confirmed interest in Dempsey." That's all well and good, but when will you sign him?
It seemed a perfect scenario to sign him before Liverpool departed on their North American tour, and have him square off against American National team colleague Michael Bradley and Roma at Fenway Park. This was not to be, and If the Reds are to acquire the services of the Texan they look to be leaving it late.
Just today BBC Sport reports that Dempsey has been left out of Fulham's pre- season training camp in Switzerland, but manager Martin Jol insists it's due to his lack of fitness. For me this is denying the inevitable. The player has made it pretty clear that he wants to go by not signing a new contract, and some reports suggest that Dempsey excluded himself from camp in an effort to force a move. He has said that he wants to play for a Champions League caliber side, which whoever says Liverpool is not is mad. The team is in a state of transition, with new manager, new players and a new identity that sees last year's big money signing, Andy Carroll, possibly being loaned out. Dempsey could flourish in then new set up at Liverpool, acting as the focal point in Midfield.
According to reports the transfer has staled due to a disagreement on a fee between Fulham and Liverpool. Liverpool seem to have been valuing the move at around 5 million pounds due to the fact that Dempsey entering the last year of his contract. With the start of the Premier League season a mere 3 weeks away, it looks like it might be one of those deals that might reach a conclusion on the eve of the seasons commencement.
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