Johnston 'interested' in UAE switch

30 May 2012 17:17

Fulham could lose two of their big-name players this summer with striker Andy Johnson and midfielder Clint Dempsey suggesting their respective futures may lie elsewhere.

Johnson is out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of June while Dempsey has again expressed his desire to play Champions League football as soon as possible.

Johnsone's agent Anthony McFarlane has suggested a move to the lucrative United Arab Emirates league could now be on the cards for his client. "He is now 31, and he has never been in this situation in his career where he is available on a Bosman," McFarlane told UAE sports daily Sport360.

"His mind is open and he's looking at all his options, both here in England and abroad. He is keen on a new challenge and very interested in a move to the UAE provided the offer is right."

Despite not receiving any offers for Johnson's services, McFarlane claimed his client has attracted lot of interest and would consider his family in any move he makes.

"He's married, he's got two kids and a move to the UAE would provide a nice lifestyle and a new experience for AJ and his family," he said.

"There have been no concrete offers as such at this moment in time, but there has been strong interest from a number of clubs in the gulf area, including a couple from the UAE."

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Dempsey, who scored 17 Premier League goals last season, has been linked with a move to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United and he is now aiming to play in Europe's elite club competition.

"The transfer window is open until August 31 - its no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career," he said.

"If it's meant to be, it will be."

Source: PA