Jol braced for Dempsey departure

Fulham manager Martin Jol has confirmed the club’s top goalscorer from last season, Clint Dempsey, wishes to leave Craven Cottage.

Dempsey’s future has been in doubt since he pulled out of the club’s pre-season tour of Switzerland last month, reportedly in an attempt to force through a move elsewhere, with Liverpool believed to be long-term admirers of the midfielder.

For the first time since the speculation began, Jol has confessed the club may have to sell one of their prized assets this transfer window, as the club confirmed via their official Twitter account Dempsey is eyeing the exit door.

“If we get the right price for Clint we will sell him. If not, he will stay,” Jol told reporters.

“We want to keep him but it’s impossible because he wants to go. Clint wants to go to a Champions League club.

“We have money to invest, but only in the right players.”

It was also confirmed at the press conference USA international Dempsey will be left out of Fulham’s opening English Premier League fixture against Norwich, as they seek to protect their investment before he departs.