Bleacher Reports

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Club Must Add Clint Dempsey to Contend in EPL

Liverpool has been going through a rough stretch in the past few years, but adding Clint Dempsey could be a big step towards returning to the top of the English Premier League.

According to Wayne Veysey of Goal.com, Dempsey did not travel with Fulham to Switzerland and is trying to leave the team for a better situation.

The 29-year-old has made it clear to [manager Martin] Jol and senior Fulham figures that he wants to quit the club for Liverpool, whose manager Brendan Rodgers has admitted that he has made enquiries about signing the player.

Liverpool has already added striker Fabio Borini from Roma, but the club needs all the offensive help they can get. Last season, they finished eighth in the EPL despite allowing the third fewest goals in the league. Only Manchester City and Manchester United conceded fewer goals, but Liverpool was 11th in goals scored.

This is where Dempsey can help tremendously. The American tied for fourth in the league with 17 goals while having very little help around him. He has great control of the ball and his vision allows him to find openings that few others can.

He also is not just a pure scorer. Dempsey had an average rating of 7.18 in matches last season, which would be second on Liverpool behind Luis Suarez.

While management might not want to hand over too much money for a veteran player, the team should easily make that back from increased sales. Dempsey is one of the most popular players from the United States and he will bring with him plenty of added popularity to Liverpool.

Liverpool has not won the EPL since 1990, when it was still known as the Football League First Division. Although there have been a few quality seasons in between, the last few years have not been ideal. Adding one of the best forwards in the league will go a long way towards bringing them back to the top of the standings.

Considering the player wants nothing more than to join the club, it is about time they made it happen.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1283709-liverpool-transfer-rumors-club-must-add-clint-dempsey-to-contend-in-epl?

[dtowndough]

         I can't sleep right now, and as I am browsing the web i came upon yet another bleacher report article about clint and Liverpool. I won't post it here, but it's titled What Dempsey to Liverpool would mean to American soccer, and to answer your question yes it is just like the other's as in same plot but from a different author. I, like all of you, have grown incredibly tired of all of this, especially from this particular monstrosity known as the bleacher report . Now though i want to compare it to a hypothetical scenario that US based, so it may not hold much to most of you.
         I feel like Liverpool are currently in the same situation as the Notre Dame (college, and american) football program. Before EPL coverage in the USA became so widespread, I spent a lot of time following college football, and a constant during that was that I always despised Notre Dame. I have not, and still don't, hold any grievances to any other aspect of the school i.e. academia, sport, etc, and don't intend to be insulting to or cause a riot from anyone with connection to the school, this is just my opinion. Just the football team bothers me. They receive the most attention in the media even when they are horrible, they get the most money from TV revenues (an exclusive deal with a station that shows all home games), and many of the best athletes go there simply because if their "legacy". They do hold a very successful past, with many championships and accolades that its hard not to be envious of. However, times recently have been rough. They have had a few decent seasons but as a whole are well below what they were, yet still get the same treatment all because they are Notre Dame. It's always on the list for potential stars, always makes the news over the minnows, or dare I say "mid-table" like teams. When your team beats them, focus is always on what they did wrong and not what your team did right. Excuses run wild, exceptions are always made; this player is hurt and would have been the difference, or "just give it time and the coach will get it right, he just needs more". Does any of this sound familiar? Now this isn't really a linear comparison, as there are no transfers or salaries or standard professional arrangements (at least not to the public's direct knowledge), but when I think of them it brings me to Liverpool. Both have such successful history, and want to make sure you don't forget it. They receive attention no matter how they perform, often at the  expense of others, and currently, both are struggling, trying desperately to return to former glory. Only now it's not so easy some of the minnows have caught up to the big fish, and they are swarmed. As we have seen, most Liverpool fans seem to think Clint is a step below them, I do not. I feel we are as close to level terms as we ever has been. To me Clint is a underrated American football player (the USA brand) looking for a school to play at. Notre Dame has offered. 5 years ago, they never would have looked at a kid like him, but now they are. Meanwhile, his local college, who was the first to take notice and offer him a chance to  play are still there. But he sees the legacy that is Notre Dame, the stigma surrounding it in the rest of the world. But times have changed. I'm not in Clint shoes and have no right to judge him on what he decides, but this is what I feel he is looking at

As I said, this will probably be best understood to my fellow Americans, but hopefully others might get something out of it as well.

Cheers

Wow, perfect. 

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Transfer News: Swansea's Joe Allen Is Better Fit Than Clint Dempsey


Bryn Lennon/Getty Images

In what has been an ever-changing scenario since the end of the Premier League season, one thought has remained constant: Liverpool are the absolute favorites to land Clint Dempsey from Fullham.

That may not be the case anymore, and that could end up being just fine with Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers.

According to Matt Law of Mirror, the Reds are in grave danger of losing out to Italian club Roma in the Dempsey sweepstakes. But they're getting closer and closer to making a similarly enormous deal that could give them a much-needed shot in the arm.

Liverpool ownership has been working with Joe Allen and his current team, Swansea City, on a deal that could send Allen to Anfield before next season. Rodgers has reportedly offered ­£12.5 million for the Welsh midfielder.

Even if Swansea rejects that offer, Liverpool is still not far off from obtaining him. A clause in Allen's contract states that if one of the "Big Five" Premier League teams (which Liverpool is a part of) offers £15 million for him, they must sell.


J. Meric/Getty Images

Dempsey sounds like the ideal fit as he brings more goal scoring and attacking play to a team that needs it, but you'd have to wonder how long he could be a vital part of the club. Is he really going to be around four or five years from now, when 'Pool should have a much better chance of winning?

The chances are slim to none, while in Allen's case, it's almost certain that he'd be a long-term fix and would be at the top of his game at that point. Dempsey is 29 and would be in the final stages of his career when Allen is just blooming.

That's not to say that Liverpool couldn't shock us all and land both players, but it's very unlikely that they have that sort of money, and they'll most likely be content with just one of these stars.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1285322-liverpool-transfer-news-swanseas-joe-allen-is-better-fit-than-clint-dempsey?

[Mr Fulham]

Considering the player wants nothing more than to join the club, it is about time they made it happen.


Hilarious stuff. 064.gif

[WhiteJC]

 
BPL Transfer News: What Does the Future Hold for Clint Dempsey in the BPL?


Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

At the tail end of last season, rumors began to swirl that American striker, Clint Dempsey, could be moving on from Fulham for greener pastures.

It did not take long for possible suitors to emerge.  Dempsey's pursuers were some of the most well known clubs in the world.  Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain, Chelsea, Tottenham, Roma, and Everton were all believed to be interested in acquiring the services of the prolific American goal scorer.

However, as summer began, there seemed to be only one team remaining in the "Dempsey transfer destination" discussion: Liverpool.

After scoring only 47 goals and posting a mere plus seven goal difference during the 2011-2012 English Premier League season, Liverpool realized the high-priced, Newcastle loan, Andy Carroll, was not a good fit.

Carroll's time with the Reds has been as smooth as a mountain pass.  After paying a record fee of £35 million for the striker, the Scousers would have to wait until a March 6, 2011 fixture against Manchester United to see their new addition in action.

Unfortunately, the Kop faithful are still waiting for Andy Carroll to show up.

Prior to transferring to Liverpool at the January 31, 2011 deadline, Carroll had bagged 11 goals in 19 appearances for Newcastle United.  However, he was not able to maintain that goal-scoring pace the rest of the season with the Reds, nor since.  In his Liverpool career, Carroll has netted only 6 goals in 42 matches of BPL action.

Coincidentally, just about the time the transfer rumors of Carroll being out at Anfield began to expound, so did rumblings of Clint Dempsey moving to Liverpool.

Only days ago, it was all but certain Andy Carroll was out at Anfield—especially since Liverpool agreed to a transfer fee with West Ham United—and a Clint Dempsey move to Merseyside was a mere technicality resting only on a transfer fee agreement.

"Buuut wait," as a cheesy TV pitchman would say.

Andy Carroll has rebuked West Ham's offer, and intends to stay at Anfield to earn his spot on the Liverpool squad.

Yet, there are reports he would accept a move back to the Magpies—but unless Newcastle ups the financial terms of their offer, Liverpool's stance will remain the same.  Carroll also wants a chance to play in European competition this season, which Newcastle can offer.

But what if Liverpool and Carroll cannot agree with any team on transfer terms?  Where does that leave Dempsey?

One would have to believe Dempsey's time at Craven Cottage will shortly come to an end.  Especially with the controversy surrounding his non-accompaniment of Fulham to their training session in Switzerland, a return to Fulham seems shaky.

ESPN Soccernet reports Dempsey was left off the training trip so he can work on his fitness with the youth team.  However, Goal.com reports Dempsey pulled himself out of the trip in order to force a move to Liverpool.

Really, looking at the reasons given, which seems more plausible: Fitness or wanting a move?

Dempsey has spent a shade over five seasons at Fulham and became the club's top Premiership goal scorer.  But with not having been on a UEFA Champion's League or BPL contending squad—or any other domestic hardware-contending squad for that matter—it is reasonable for the 29-year-old striker to want a move to a club that can offer him that.

Nevertheless, whichever report you decide to believe about why Dempsey remained back in England while Fulham held training sessions in Switzerland, it is only logical to believe he will be leaving West London before the August 31 transfer window closes.

Yet, as much the favorite Liverpool looks to be in procuring Dempsey, if things stay as they are, they could be out the running unless the Andy Carroll situation is cleared up.

The Reds already have Luis Suarez, and added Fabio Borini through a transfer with Roma at forward.  Would they dare take on another striker with Andy Carroll being adamant about staying at Anfield, turning him into another Alberto Aquilani?

If not, where does that leave Dempsey?  Would Roma, an early rumored destination, surface as the leaders to land Clint to replace the loss of Borini to Liverpool, and unite him with fellow American, Michael Bradley?

One thing is for certain, wherever he ends up you'd be hard pressed to believe a return to Craven Cottage is in the cards.


http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1292904-bpl-transfer-news-what-does-the-future-hold-for-clint-dempsey-in-the-bpl?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey: Breaking Down Top Options for Fulham Star

Clint Dempsey has been one of the most popular names in the transfer rumor mill. The Fulham star has been linked to numerous clubs, and many feel he's bound to be on the market since he has just one year remaining on his contract.

Let's take a look at the latest rumors and news surrounding the American international and where he could end up at the start of the 2012 season.



Liverpool

Team USA's midfielder has been linked with the Reds for some time now, and the staff over at the Daily Mail has sources saying boss Brendan Rodgers is highly interested in acquiring the 29-year-old.

However, Fulham reportedly wants an amount close to £10 million to pry the scorer away from Craven Cottage. Rodgers has put about half of that on the table right now.

These negotiations have been at an impasse for some time, and unless Martin Jol comes down on his price and gets desperate, it doesn't seem like Dempsey is going to Anfield.



Everton

Everton is apparently attempting to move in on Liverpool and outbid them for the American midfielder.

According to the Daily Mail, the Toffees have some spare cash on hand after selling Jack Rodwell and are looking to replace Tim Cahill, who was transferred to the New York Red Bulls.

Dempsey would certainly be a fit, but David Moyes has a few other options on the table. He may reconsider bidding more than the £5 million that his rival Rodgers put down.



Fulham

Dempsey may just have to settle for making $3 million playing out his final season in Craven Cottage.

While he won't have a chance to play in the Champions League—which he desperately wants—the American will be financially secure for life. He's made no secret that it is extremely important for him to have a nice bank account.

According to ESPN, Dempsey said:

"Off the pitch, the best thing about [playing in England] is more money in your account," he says. "You go to Europe for the competition, for the soccer and for more financial stability for your family."

While he may not be playing the best soccer at the highest level of competition at Fulham, he's certainly going to be fiscally taken care of.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1297386-clint-dempsey-breaking-down-top-options-for-fulham-star?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Transfers: Why Clint Dempsey Is Still a Good Choice for Reds to Chase

Liverpool completed their second signing of the summer under Brendan Rodgers last week with the arrival of midfielder Joe Allen from Swansea City.

That will certainly not be the end of the arrivals, though, with the Reds looking to add more names before the closure of the transfer window.

One of the names most often linked with Liverpool for this summer is Fulham's versatile attacker Clint Dempsey, who as far back as the middle of July was said to be on the verge of a move to the Reds, according to the Daily Mail.

The mooted move hasn't come to fruition just yet but there is still time for Rodgers to seal the deal.

Here are five reasons why Dempsey would still be a good signing for the Reds.

Ability from Wide Areas of Attack


Liverpool have switched formations this season to a much more attack-minded 4-3-3 under Brendan Rodgers.

While the defense remains untouched and is strong, especially with the return to fitness of holding midfielder Lucas Leiva in front of it, Liverpool's final third needed some work this season.

Joe Allen in midfield and Fabio Borini up front have helped to add quality, lower the wage bill and also lower the average age of the squad—but more work is required.

In the wide areas of Liverpool's forward line, Borini and Stewart Downing look to have the lead at present, but only Joe Cole represents their senior replacement.

Clint Dempsey is more than capable of playing in either wide position and would add depth as well as quality to the club.

Experience Throughout the Squad Is Needed

Liverpool have been more active in the transfer market this summer, shifting players out of the club rather than in.

Fabio Aurelio (32 years old), Dirk Kuyt (32), Maxi Rodriguez (31) and Craig Bellamy (33) have all exited the club, which along with helping to reduce the wage bill significantly (an estimated £12 million per season), means that the squad is considerably younger than last season.

A re-built side is always going to be constructed primarily from younger players as the new manager looks to start fresh with players who can learn his methods and be part of the team for years to come—but retaining experience is also important.

Young potential stars of the future—Jonjo Shelvey, Joe Allen, Fabio Borini, Jack Robinson etc...—need older players to learn from, look up to and retain a squad hierarchy.

The Reds have experience in key areas throughout the squad except for up front now that Maxi, Bellamy and Kuyt have left the club, and Clint Dempsey would fill that role well.

Good Value at Reported Price

There can be little doubt that Rodgers is looking to bring a wide forward in this summer, and plenty of the rumours surrounding Dempsey are indicative of him being one of the top targets.

Compared to other players who, though perhaps are of a different style still operate in the same positions, Dempsey could represent a very good financial deal for the club.

Reports have ranged from Dempsey costing between £5-£9 million in a straight cash deal to the Reds offering current midfielder Charlie Adam in a part-exchange deal.

Dempsey's age and his situation of having a single year left on his deal mean that Liverpool might be in a better bargaining position than with some other reported targets.

Theo Walcott of Arsenal has been said to cost £15 million despite also only having a year left on his deal, while Manchester City winger Adam Johnson is slightly more expensive at £16 million.

Goals from Other Areas on the Pitch Key for Reds

Here's a key area Liverpool need to improve on from 2011-12: goals.

Last season only Luis Suarez managed to hit double figures in all competitions, with the Uruguayan forward netting 17 goals in total.

To have a chance of success in cups and progressing significantly in the league, Liverpool need four or five players to be capable of reaching the 10-goal mark.

Clint Dempsey scored 17 goals in the Premier League alone last term and scored a total of 23 goals in all competitions.

Playing from mainly a deep-lying central attack role, Dempsey linked up well with the forward and his fellow midfielders, but also played as an out and out forward and from the right side.

He'd offer goals both scored and created for Liverpool if he joins.

Versatility in the Final Third

Liverpool would be most likely to use Clint Dempsey on the right side of their front three, with Luis Suarez and Fabio Borini seeming to be favourites to tie up the central and left sided roles respectively.

The Reds do not, however, have such a squad depth or a big transfer kitty this summer that they can afford to bring in players who have one specific role in the squad.

Dempsey would not only be effective on both flanks as an inside forward, but can also perform admirably in the centre forward's role and the advanced midfield role—particularly important if Liverpool are unable to keep Steven Gerrard fit for more matches than last season.

A player who can play in all four forward roles for the Reds would be a big boost to both depth and quality in key areas for Brendan Rodgers.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1297089-liverpool-transfers-why-clint-dempsey-is-still-a-good-choice-for-reds-to-chase?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey: Liverpool Can't Afford to Lose Fulham Star to Everton

Liverpool finished eighth in the Premier League last season behind a lackluster offense, which is why reports have sprouted up that the club is interested in Fulham star Clint Dempsey.

Now the Daily Mail is reporting that last season's seventh-place finisher, Everton, may consider making a move for Dempsey.

The Reds have reportedly offered £5 million for the 29-year-old, with Charlie Adam potentially being part of a package deal. Losing Dempsey to Everton would be a slap in the face.

Liverpool scored 47 goals in Premier League play last season, good for 11th in the league. To compare, Dempsey scored 17 goals by himself. Liverpool's top goal-scorer was Luis Suarez, who had 11. That's why Liverpool can't afford to lose the talented forward.

Clint Dempsey's 60 Fulham Goals 2007/2012 | QuickfireGoals Episode #18

People forget that the Reds allowed just 40 goals last season—tied for third-fewest in the Premier League behind Manchester City and Manchester United. Liverpool's defense was overshadowed by its lack of offense, and it resulted in a disappointing 14 wins on the season.

Dempsey won't cure all of Liverpool's ills, but he does provide that impact player on offense that clubs will have to keep an eye on. He gives the Reds a much-needed threat in that department. If Liverpool is to get back to respectability, it needs to start acquiring players like Dempsey who have star power.

It's been a long time since Liverpool placed second in the 2008-2009 campaign. Three seasons of mediocrity have followed. If the Reds are serious about contending again, they will take advantage of the opportunities they have.

Liverpool has an opportunity to nab Dempsey. It's time to start getting serious.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1298013-clint-dempsey-liverpool-cant-afford-to-lose-fulham-star-to-everton?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Football: Much Better Options Than Clint Dempsey

Following the not-so breaking news that Clint Dempsey wants to leave Fulham, Liverpool have understandably been crowned his new suitors despite no firm contract offer ever being handed to him.

Dempsey is a top player and I'm sure he would offer some much needed midfield goals to the team.

But the issue for me is that I believe he is just another Charlie Adam; two very different players but both shone at smaller teams and I think both will fail to reach similar heights at Liverpool.

Dirk Kuyt and his industrious style of play will be missed now that he has moved on but I don't believe that Dempsey is a great replacement just because he can also play in numerous positions.

Even if Dempsey isn't seen as a replacement, I still think a should-be perennial contender like Liverpool could attract a better calibre of player.

If you want a player who can play off the striker, either wing or even up front, I can think of a few better options from around the footballing landscape.

With a goal every 3.7 games for Fulham, Dempsey does provide a spark but there are better, younger players with similar versatility and far more long-term potential.

I just don't see Dempsey getting any better.

A fee of £10 million for his services is a fair one but spending an extra 5 million on top of that for someone quite a bit younger presents better value in my eyes.

One such player is Dries Mertens of PSV Eindhoven.

Capable of playing all of the same roles as Dempsey, the 25-year-old is four years Dempsey's junior and also a better overall player.


I understand that some may view Dempsey as a striker but I will never consider him an out and out forward.

Mertens moved to PSV only a year ago but he has already receive interest from huge clubs like Bayern Munich.

The Belgian international has also been linked to Inter Milan and due to the demand, PSV would be looking for around £12 million.

A fair price when you consider he signed a five-year deal only a year ago.

He scored 25 goals in 43 games last season.

A second player who could be a nice alternative to Dempsey is Younes Belhanda of Montpellier.

The 22-year-old Morrocan is also a very versatile player who was a vital contributor to the Ligue 1 winning side last season.

Belhanda was given the 'free' role last season and being allowed to play as a secondary striker really allowed his creative instincts to flourish.

He was named the best young player of Ligue 1 and his stellar form led to interest from Arsene Wenger and Arsenal.

Belhanda has already said he is open to a move away from France and Liverpool would be making a smart move if they were the ones to snatch him up.

Valued at £10 million, PSG are being linked with a £20 million bid for the playmaker by  www.metro.co.uk, which definitely is crazy money.


But, to be fair, PSG have been linked to any decent players and so unless something is in the pipeline, a cheeky bid in the region of £10-12 million would be smart.

The third and final alternative I can think of is Gaston Ramirez.

Ramirez has already been linked with Liverpool but a fee of around £12 million had been reportedly agreed between his club Bologna and Southampton.

Contrary to most reports, www.football-italia.net reports that Bologna club president Albano Guaraldi is not yet happy with the deal Southampton are offering; despite Ramirez himself saying it was almost finalised.

It seems nothing has been accepted on Bologna's end

Either way, Bologna's annoyance at Ramirez's agent and the offer on the table allows Liverpool a second bite at the cherry and they should definitely be looking into another approach if or when this deal collapses.

Ramirez too can play pretty much anywhere in midfield and in attack and would also present good value due to the fact he is only 21 years old.

Bologna want £15.8 million which is a lot of money, but better value than spending 10 million on Dempsey.

I still think Liverpool will end up signing Dempsey but he isn't an impact player that will catapult Liverpool into the Champions League or even towards the top four; but I believe my alternatives would have a bigger say in doing so.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1302476-liverpool-football-much-better-options-than-clint-dempsey?

[WhiteJC]

 
Clint Dempsey: "The Truth" of His Transfer from Fulham Needs to Come Out Soon

Clint Dempsey has been radio silent since August 17, when he tweeted there are two sides to every story and cryptically warned, "the truth will come out soon."

Not soon enough, it seems.

The EPL calendar did not start the way Dempsey had envisioned after his remarkable season with Fulham last year. The best American field player fully expected to be suiting up somewhere other than Craven Cottage to start his league campaign, yet despite a swirling cabal of rumors throughout the summer, Fulham has yet to deal Dempsey anywhere.

As the first week of the EPL season draws to a close and the end of the transfer window looms just over a week-and-a-half away, Dempsey is a superstar in limbo; no longer wanted by the team that made him a star and not worth enough on the open market for that team to justify dealing him away.

There is a growing sentiment that this is Dempsey's fault; that he is handling his impending transfer with a lack of class and respect for Fulham.

It's hard to know what else he could do, honestly. Dempsey made it clear at the end of last season that he loved his time at Fulham but he felt the next logical step in his career was to play in the Champions League.

Dempsey hasn't wavered from that one bit in the offseason, except for the rumors he was going to Liverpool, a club with a rich history but one that finished eighth in the league, just one spot above Fulham last season.

An entire summer came and went while rumors swirled about a move from west London, most vociferously calling for an imminent deal to Liverpool during preseason training in late July.

Nothing happened.

Fulham manager, Martin Jol, has publicly stated this week that Liverpool has yet to even offer a price for Dempsey despite declaring interest in the striker. The situation could not be any messier, really.

Days before Fulham's first match, things between Dempsey and his boss got incredibly nasty in the press, with the club going on full attack, blaming him for a lack of commitment to the club and accusing him of spreading the rumors he was headed to Liverpool.

Fulham then went out in its first match and netted five goals against Norwich City, a clear statement from the Cottagers that Dempsey will not be needed to fill up the score sheet this season. (Note: the guy scored 23 goals last season, so his presence surely wouldn't hurt.)

Through all this, Dempsey has stayed silent. Despite international media chiding him for not telling his side of the story—for not letting his "truth" come out—Dempsey has kept quiet about everything, seemingly prepared to let the chips fall where they may.

Is Dempsey calling Fulham's bluff by sitting out? Is the club being unrealistic for how much they expect to get in return for a player nearly 30 years old? Will Fulham really think about not shipping Dempsey somewhere else to get at least something in return?

If it doesn't sell him, Fulham will get nothing for Dempsey at the end of the season when his contract expires. Can any club survive with something this big hanging over the entire season?



Possible new teams

Wherever he is, Dempsey had to look at the score sheet from week one of the EPL season and smile a Texas-sized smile. Not only did Fulham score five—see, they don't need him anymore—but Arsenal and Liverpool were both shut out.

Oh, right, Arsenal is a club that has qualified for the Champions League and suddenly has a bushel full of cash after selling Alex Song to Barcelona and Robin van Persie to Manchester United.

Even with the Gunners reportedly stealing Real Madrid midfielder Nuri Sahin from Liverpool on a one-year loan deal, Dempsey would be a perfect fit in Arsene Wenger's attack. Plus, the addition of Dempsey won't cost nearly as much as what Arsenal got back for either player sold this week.

Getting shut out at home can only serve to make fans nervous in the wake of Van Persie's departure. Dempsey would not only be a reactive move to quell fan unrest, it would be a prudent financial and tactical signing as well.

Tottenham—the club booted from Champions League play after Chelsea won last year's tournament to qualify automatically for this season's quest—lost to Newcastle after scoring just one goal, despite ample chances in attack.

With creative midfielder Luka Modric in ostensibly the same situation as Dempsey, Tottenham are a bit shackled until that situation plays out. Still, with American Brad Friedel in net, Tottenham could become the de facto team for Americans to root for should Dempsey join them.

From a tactical standpoint, Dempsey surely would help. From a financial standpoint, he would open up a nearly untapped market for the club.

Chelsea wouldn't be a terrible fit for Dempsey from a style standpoint, but their attacking midfield is very crowded. Manchester United is suddenly the worst fit in the world for the American and the final English club in Champions League is the EPL Champion, Manchester City, which may have become a wild card in this entire process.

City netted three goals against lowly (yet sprightly) Southampton, but all-world striker Sergio Aguero went down with a knee injury that could have him sidelined for the next few weeks, if not longer. Immediately the thought of Dempsey in a sky blue kit fluttered across the internet, TV and, surely the phone lines of Dempsey's agent.



The Everton option

Regardless of where he ends up, it is clear Dempsey cannot be with Fulham much longer.

The truth is, the American hasn't handled this situation perfectly, but there also hasn't been much more he could do than be honest and upfront about his desire to leave, which he was.

Limiting his options to Champions League clubs wasn't terribly fair to Fulham, but he certainly didn't mind when American-owned Liverpool showed interest, so maybe he has backed off that edict in an effort to get into a better situation somewhere, anywhere, else.

If Dempsey just wants out of Fulham and no longer cares if a new club is tied to Champions League this season—seeing potential in future years as enticement enough to go—he should look at Everton as a logical landing spot.

The Toffees finished seventh in the EPL last season after a horrendous start. They employ Tim Howard in goal—the best American player—and rumors have already begun that Landon Donovan will be back in blue in January.

The addition of Dempsey would surely galvanize Everton as the leading American club abroad. Let's not forget the Toffees let Tim Cahill leave for the New York Red Bulls of MLS and sold Jack Rodwell to Manchester City, leaving both space on the field and, perhaps, enough money in the bank to afford Dempsey.

Of course there is always the prospect Dempsey leaves England, with PSG or another Champions League club with loose purse strings willing to make a deal.

The bad thing for Dempsey Jol, and perhaps most importantly the Fulham fans, is that this situation flooded into the season. The good thing for all involved is that something has to happen very soon. Unless it doesn't happen at all, which means we can go through this whole thing again in January.

The truth is, that would be terrible for everyone.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303815-clint-dempsey-the-truth-of-his-transfer-from-fulham-needs-to-come-out-soon?

[WhiteJC]

 
English Premier League: Why Arsenal Should Bring Clint Dempsey to the Emirates

Earlier this month, hopes among the Gunner faithful were at a high. Despite the speculation, Robin van Persie was still an Arsenal player and Alex Song had not yet claimed a spot on Barcelona's sidelines. In a matter of days, however, optimism gave way to all-too-familiar disappointment when van Persie went to the dark side, Manchester United, and Song fled to Catalonia.

To top it off, Lukas Podolski and Olivier Giroud impressively underwhelmed in Saturday's draw with Sunderland.

One of the most frightening aspects of Saturday's game had to be the ineffectiveness of the substitutions. Without Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, the team was condemned to second-half cameos by the infuriatingly inconsistent duo of Aaron Ramsey and Andrey Arshavin. One can assume that Giroud will improve in front of goal as the season progresses, but his dependence on his aerial ability to score is a bit troubling—the team already struggles mightily to send in accurate high crosses.

So what now?

The return of Oxlade-Chamberlain (hopefully) next weekend and Jack Wilshere (hopefully) in a couple of months will solidify the team's midfield and wing options. Nuri Sahin, if he joins the team on loan, will offer further playmaking prowess in the center mid position. The team has plenty of cover in midfield and on the wings—even if Wilshere struggles to return to health or form. Arsene Wenger reportedly has his eye on a few young defensive midfield options.

The team's main needs are another proven goal-scorer and fullback—the latter of which will possibly not be addressed, yet again.

Arsenal needs another player to complement Podolski and Giroud as goal scoring threats, and I believe it should be Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey enjoyed one of the most successful campaigns for any midfielder in the Premier League last season. While he established himself as one of Fulham's steadiest players throughout the 2010-2011 season, his superior play last season suggested that his game is still developing. While interest from other team has been limited to speculation from Liverpool, he has maintained a desire to play Champions League football.

The argument that Dempsey is not a Champions League level talent holds very little weight—if any. Similar cases could have been made about Laurent Koscielny and Thomas Vermaelen before they joined Arsenal and established themselves as the club's best center backs. The American scored 36 goals for Fulham over the past two seasons, against some of the world's elite club teams (Juventus, Chelsea). In addition, he scored as a United States international against top international teams such as Spain, Brazil, and England.

Dempsey's versatility serves as his greatest asset.

On a club level, he has succeeded immensely as a free-roaming attacking midfielder; however, for the United States, he has also played as a winger, center forward, and a 4-4-2 striker. While he would likely never project as a starting center forward for Wenger, he could play anywhere in the middle or attacking thirds for the team.

Dempsey's skill set would benefit the Gunners immensely. His scoring prowess rests largely on his composure, propensity to take risks and ability to capitalize on opportunities. A majority of Dempsey's goals last season came through broken plays inside the box, headers, runs in transition and direct free kicks.

While Arsenal struggles to complete crosses, especially with the absence of Bacary Sagna, Dempsey would provide the team with another physical, aerial presence beside Giroud. In addition, Dempsey would offer another legitimate option beside Cazorla and Podolski to fill the free-taking void left in the early post-van Persie era.

At the very least, Clint Dempsey would provide insurance against the team's usual rash of injuries and other mild catastrophes. I believe that if Arsenal did decide to take a modest £8 million leap of faith and acquire the 29-year old American, he would collaborate well with the club's other playmakers and occasionally provide instances of brilliance to complement the team's wealth of finesse and pace.

The beauty of Dempsey's play is that it doesn't necessitate good rhythm in team play. He's not going to regularly break down defenses with his passing or dribbling ability. Instead, his emergence as a Premier League star over the past couple seasons has been due to his ability to make things happen and, more importantly, navigate the ball into the back of the net.

While this is a move that will never happen, Dempsey would realize his dream to compete in the prestigious Champions League. Arsenal would get a goal-scorer who excels in the game's big moments (2007 goal vs. Liverpool to help Fulham avoid relegation, 2010 Europa League goal vs. Juventus - link above), would provide depth and would lessen the burden on the Gunners' three summer signings.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1303668-why-arsenal-should-bring-clint-dempsey-to-the-emirates?

[WhiteJC]

 
Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Reds Cannot Allow Clint Dempsey to Join Sunderland

Liverpool's embarrassing 3-0 loss to West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League opener on Saturday revealed that the Reds need Fulham's Clint Dempsey more than ever.

According to the Daily Mail, Sunderland are one club that Liverpool may have to battle for Dempsey's services before the summer transfer window officially closes on August 31:

Sunderland want to speak to Fulham over Liverpool target Clint Dempsey and are keen on Crystal Palace's Wilfried Zaha and Dnipro full back Ivan Strinic.

Dempsey has been linked with a move to Anfield all summer, but may be persuaded to travel to the Northeast instead.

Scoring goals wasn't easy for Liverpool last season, and if they cannot find the back of the net against clubs like West Brom this year, some reinforcements will need to be brought in.

The Reds' strong defense saved their poor attacking play last year, and it's unlikely that will happen again since many of the league's teams are stronger this season.

Dempsey can be the man to link the midfield and the strikers, or take on a scoring role himself. He's the ideal player for manager Brendan Rodgers' attacking style of football.

If Liverpool don't complete a transfer for Dempsey, and he instead goes to a team like Sunderland that the Reds are going to be fighting with for position in the top 10 of the table, it will be a huge setback for the Anfield club.

If Rodgers' style is going to help Liverpool make improvements this season, he needs more creative players in the squad.

The season opener proved that Liverpool still need one more attacking player to compete with the best clubs in England.

Rodgers must move quickly to ensure he signs the American star before another club have the opportunity to prevent Dempsey from making a move to Anfield.



http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1305312-liverpool-transfer-rumors-reds-cannot-allow-clint-dempsey-to-join-sunderland?