Jol rejects Dempsey reports

04 May 2012 18:17

Fulham manager Martin Jol has dismissed speculation linking Clint Dempsey with a move to Liverpool and remains hopeful the American will sign a new deal at Craven Cottage.

The 29-year-old has scored 22 goals this season and is one of the main reasons the west Londoners are sitting ninth in the Barclays Premier League.

"As you know we talked to him and hopefully he will sign a contract to keep him here for the next three years," the Dutchman said, speaking ahead of Sunday's clash with Sunderland.

Dempsey's form this season, coupled with the fact his contract expires next summer, has seen him linked with a number of clubs from across Europe.

Liverpool have been mooted as a potential destination and such speculation was stoked by Reds chairman Tom Werner, who has expressed his admiration for the United States international.

Asked if Werner's comments bothered him, Jol added: "If a manager does that it's different because it's a tap-up but if it's an owner, he probably doesn't know about the rules and agreements. I'm not bothered about it."

Dempsey is one of a number of players Fulham are currently in negotiations with and Jol revealed that in the "next week or so" they hope to finalise a deal with Pavel Pogrebnyak to keep him past the summer.

The Russia international's arrival from Stuttgart during the January transfer window coincided with an upturn in fortunes by the banks of Thames.

Reports have also emerged suggesting newly appointed England manager Roy Hodgson wants to bring the Whites' head of coaching, Ray Lewington, in as part of his backroom staff, initially to help at Euro 2012.

On the speculation, Jol said: "If they do get in touch with us, we would be positive about it if it was a few weeks. If it was longer, then you get a different conversation."

Source: PA