Dempsey pulls out of Fulham tour
31 July 2012 20:09
Fulham have confirmed that Clint Dempsey has not travelled on the club's pre-season tour to Switzerland.
Dempsey will remain at the west London outfit's Motspur Park training ground this week amid reports that he is attempting to force a move to Liverpool.
The club refused to be drawn on reports of a bust-up between the USA international and his manager Martin Jol last Friday.
A Fulham spokesman told
Goal.com: "Clint and Hugo Rodallega are both staying in London to work on their fitness at the training ground.
"Neither are scheduled to feature in the weekend friendly against Nice which is the reason neither have travelled.
"We are not to prepared to comment on any further speculation."
It is understood that the 29-year-old told Jol that he did not want to take part in the week-long trip, and has made clear to Fulham officials his desire to leave the club in order to join Liverpool.
Reds manager Brendan Rodgers has already admitted to making enquiries over Dempsey, who has rejected Fulham's offer of a new three-year deal.
The American star is valued at nine million pounds by Fulham after he scored 23 goals in all competitions last season, but the Cottagers would be willing to settle for a fee between five million and six million pounds with his contract having entered its final year.
Stewart Downing and Charlie Adam have already been discussed as potential makeweights in any deal between the two clubs, with Everton and Aston Villa also said to be monitoring Dempsey's situation.
The American is keen on a move to Anfield, but may have wait for Liverpool to clear cash to secure a deal by selling members of their own playing squad.
