Villa preparing offer for Premier League talisman
Following his exploits on the pitch this season, Clint Dempsey has earned a host of transfer speculation with Aston Villa particularly interested in his signature.
The winger’s emphatic hat-trick against Newcastle United over the weekend appears to have been the ignition that Villa needed to be spurned into action and could look to sign the 28 year-old as early as this month.
Dempsey has been a loyal servant to the Fulham faithful since arriving at the club in 2007 but may be tempted by a move to Villa should countryman Randy Lerner come calling.
The American businessman has shown what he is willing to spend in the past after completing a £20m deal for Darren Bent last year and is now attempting to lure Dempsey from Craven Cottage.
The United States international has been one of the most consistent features for the Cottagers over his six seasons at the club, regularly notching up over 40 appearances season after season.
Alex McCleish could be looking at Dempsey to fill a midfield hole which may be left vacant by Stephen Ireland should the player choose to act on supposed interest from QPR.
Dempsey has been linked with the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool in recent weeks who are also American-owned but Lerner will be hoping that the guarantee of first-team football at Villa Park will complete the move.
Fulham have competed in European competition in several seasons since Dempsey came into the squad but have failed to earn a table place above 7th since the 2008-09 season, and with that not expected to change this campaign, Villa may seem a fruitful proposition for the versatile attacker.
Although Martin Jol will not be keen on losing his talisman, Mohamed Al Fayed – who regularly involves himself in club proceedings – may be tempted into selling Dempsey should a team meet his £9m valuation.
