Fight on for Fulham's texan

With Fulham close to completing a deal for Manchester United's Dimitar Berbatov, that move has appeared to have freed the way for Clint Dempsey to leave Craven Cottage with Liverpool the most likely destination.

However, the reds face competition for the high-scoring midfielder who netted 23 times in all competitions last season, in the form of Sunderland who have made a late enquiry.

Fulham are believed to be demanding £8 million for the attacking midfielder but Liverpool have yet to come forward with an official bid, with Brendan Rodgers keen to sell before he can spend money on new players.

With Fulham currently in business with Sunderland for the sale of Kieron Richardson, the Black Cats may have edged ahead in the race for the 29 year old American.