Fulham have fined Clint Dempsey for refusing to play for the club as he attempts to force through a move to Liverpool, but reports from the north west suggest Liverpool are no longer interested in signing the American midfielder.
Martin Jol told his pre-match press conference that Dempsey would not be involved in Fulham’s opening Premier League fixture against Norwich City. The Texan-born midfielder, who scored 23 goals for Fulham last year, went on strike earlier in the summer and the club have instigated disciplinary proceedings against him as a result.
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers admitted last month that the club had made an inquiry about Dempsey’s availability – and the club published an article on their website suggesting he had signed – but failed to follow up with a formal offer. Jol was in a furious mood when asked about it earlier this afternoon:
“That was very disappointing. Clint told everyone he was going to Liverpool before he came back so we really thought there was quite a firm interest in him. Even (Rodgers) told everyone he was interested in Clint Dempsey, but our people never had an offer. It’s almost embarrassing. If you have shown interest in a player, you have to follow it up with an offer.”
Jol insists the American will not leave unless a decent offer comes in for him.
