ContinueLiverpool target Clint Dempsey has been ordered to train alone by Fulham manager Martin Jol, as the player’s proposed move to Liverpool has yet to materialise, reports suggest.
The United States international was left to train with the youth team as the Cottagers left London for their final pre-season training camp in Switzerland last week, after telling the club that he wants to quit Craven Cottage following interest from Liverpool. Brendan Rodgers’ side are yet to follow up said interest with a realistic bid, however, leaving Dempsey out in the cold for the time being.
Goal.com report that Liverpool are having seconds thoughts on the move, after baulking at Fulham’s £9 million valuation of the player, who is about to enter the last year of his contract. It is understood that Brendan Rodgers and the Liverpool hierarchy have their reservations about meeting Fulham’s asking price, given his contract situation and the fact that Dempsey is 29.
"Liverpool are now undecided whether they think the Dempsey move is right," a source told Goal.com. "There is some doubt whether, at his age, he can deliver the consistency of performance for the next few years."
Dempsey has somewhat backed himself into a corner at Craven Cottage. The goal-scoring midfielder reportedly refused an offer of a new three year deal, leaving him temporarily alienated at the club he joined five and a half years ago. While Fulham wish to hold on to their top scorer from last season, the necessity to avoid a drawn out transfer saga and identify a suitable replacement should he leave is being considered.
