Martin Jol remains hopeful Clint Dempsey will sign a new deal at Fulham despite speculation linking the American with Liverpool.
Fulham boss wants coveted American to stay at Craven Cottage
Fulham manager Martin Jol remains hopeful Clint Dempsey will sign a new deal at Craven Cottage despite speculation linking the American with Liverpool.
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 Premier League.
Such form, coupled with the fact his contract expires next summer, has seen Dempsey 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 on Thursday expressed his admiration for the United States international.
However, Jol insists he has no intention of letting the attacking midfielder leave and hopes to instead sign him up to a new deal.
"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.
"If not, he's still our player because there is no club that has made an approach for him. Of course it's nice if they are positive about him.
"I'm very positive about a few Liverpool players because I like them a lot but it doesn't mean we can afford to buy them."
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."
Pogrebnyak hope
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.
The Cottagers' impressive run has catapulted them up the table and saw them secure a first league win at Anfield on Tuesday, with Martin Skrtel's own goal proving decisive.
Jol missed the 1-0 win against Liverpool with a chest infection that also ruled him out of last weekend's defeat at Everton, but, while sounding hoarse, insists he is feeling better.
"It took a bit longer than I thought," he said.
"I had quite an infection in my chest and was not allowed to travel. It was quite contagious as well but I feel better now.
"Tuesday night I had my computer and television so I had two screens and I saw the match. I kept in touch with the staff and players.
"We had to celebrate at home instead of at the stadium. I was on antibiotics so I couldn't drink."
