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Liverpool Transfer News: What Clint Dempsey Offers the Reds

Oliver Thomas@OliverBThomasX.com LogoContributor IJuly 16, 2012

Clint Dempsey would be a good fit in Liverpool.
Clint Dempsey would be a good fit in Liverpool.Clive Brunskill/Getty Images

Fulham midfielder Clint Dempsey could potentially put Liverpool back in the hunt. And according to Wayne Veysey of Goal.com, the Reds are aggressively pursuing him.

Veysey reports that Dempsey has shut down Fulham's contract offer, which has pushed the American onto the market:

Fulham value the USA international at £9m but a combination of his age – 29 – and his contract situation – he has just entered the final year of his current deal – mean that they will settle for a fee of around £5m.

Purchasing Dempsey would be a cost-effective move for Liverpool. New manager Brendan Rogers is in need of an experienced forward to make his job easier. In preparation for that, the football club is willing to part with No. 9 man Andy Carroll, per ESPN.com.

Dempsey could be just what the team needs: a proven goal scorer. Carroll hasn't offered that.

The 23-year-old Carroll scored just four goals in 21 Premier League starts last season after joining the Reds from Newcastle for a staggering £35 million.

By Carroll leaving Liverpool, the organization could escape a financial bind that has been a thorn in its side.

Dempsey could help alleviate that pain in more ways than one.

Without an overbearing contract, Dempsey has earned his keep in years past. Last season, Dempsey amassed 17 goals for the Cottagers in 37 Premier League starts. In contrast, Liverpool's leading scorer, Luis Suarez, totaled 12.

Dribbling with great control, Dempsey can keep his head above water as he looks for the next pass. He may be known more as a finisher, but the 6'1", 170-pound winger can also create.

His six assists during EPL matches would have tied him for the most on the Liverpool squad—making him a well-rounded asset for his next employer.

Beyond the regular Premier League action, the Texas native racked up six goals during Europa and FA Cup fixtures last year. Dempsey's achievements don't end there, however. He's also revered as one of the best players on the USA National team. He's been a cornerstone for the US ever since he made his debut in 2005.

Leaving a middle-of-the-pack Fulham squad may give Dempsey an added boost—especially if he jumps on board with Liverpool, which had a disappointing 2011-2012 campaign, finishing in eighth place.

Dempsey finished in fourth place for EPL Player of the Year while suiting up for the ninth seeded Fulham club. If he can go to a more renowned team like Liverpool—who may also add Arsenal's Theo Walcott, according to Charlie Wyett of The SunLiverpool could transform into a top challenger.

He may be a little older than desired as far as transfer window talent is concerned. Nevertheless, Clint Dempsey is a consistent scorer, distributor and leader. Liverpool would be very fortunate to reel in his services.