Jol handed star man blow

Clint Dempsey has reportedly stepped up his bid to join Liverpool by pulling out of Fulham's pre-season training camp in Switzerland.

The 29-year-old American international is wanted by Reds boss Brendan Rodgers but Cottagers chief Martin Jol has insisted the Londoners have yet to receive an offer for the striker, who bagged 23 goals in all competitions last season, and they would not welcome any. However, Jol's bid to keep his talisman appears to be heading for the buffers with reports claiming Dempsey refused to travel to the week-long camp with the rest of the first-team squad and is set to stay in London to train with the youngsters while his future is sorted. Jol will now have to decide whether to offload Dempsey this summer for as much money as he can get or risk losing him on a Bosman free transfer when his contract expires in 12 months' time. In the meantime, Liverpool are thought to be waiting for Andy Carroll's future to be determined before they will make any firm bid for Dempsey. Carroll has been linked with a move to West Ham and Rodgers is looking to free up some funds in order for him to make a move for his other targets, which also include Swansea's Joe Allen as well as Dempsey.