Dempsey lines up loan return to struggling Fulham during MLS off-season



Fulham are pinning their hopes of avoiding relegation on re-signing former fans’ favourite Clint Dempsey.

The American, 30, was in London on Wednesday trying to finalise a two-month loan deal at Craven Cottage during the Major League Soccer off-season.

Dempsey, who joined the Seattle Sounders last summer, favours a return to the Premier League over spending January and February training with his USA team-mates in Brazil and Southern California.



Return: Clint Dempsey is set to rejoin Fulham on loan during the MLS off-season

The forward negotiated a clause in his contract with the Sounders to allow him to go on loan from January 1 until the end of February, with general manager Adrian Hanauer admitting the move looks likely.

The MLS season ended in late October and does not start again until March 8.

Dempsey joined Fulham from New England Revolution in January 2007 and scored 50 Premier League goals in five-and-a-half years before agitating for a move in the summer of 2012. He joined Tottenham for £6million, spending a year at White Hart Lane — but not before Fulham had accused Liverpool of tapping him up.

West Ham have also expressed an interest in signing Dempsey but Fulham, with whom he reached the 2010 Europa League final, is thought to be his preferred destination.

The forward’s versatility, work ethic and eye for goal could play a crucial role in the club’s relegation fight, particularly if Dimitar Berbatov forces a move in January.

Fans' favourite: Dempsey was a popular figure during his time at Craven Cottage