Liverpool Transfer Rumors: Clint Dempsey to Be Brendan Rodgers' First Signing

New Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to make a big impression with both ownership and the fans. As the Daily Mail suggests, he is in hot pursuit of American forward Clint Dempsey.

Dempsey is coming off a career year for Fulham, where his 23 goals in all competitions helped the Cottagers to a ninth-place league finish, second best in club history. He is a versatile and quick-footed attacker who is as comfortable in a center-striking role as he is out wide; a footballer pure and simple.

Fulham were well aware of the potential for Dempsey to leave Craven Cottage this summer. He told SI.com, "It's no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career.”

Liverpool does not offer that luxury right now, but many see bringing in Rodgers as a step in the right direction. They are a talent-laden side who seem to underachieve more than anything.

At 29 years old, Dempsey is just hitting the prime of his career and was able to put up the numbers he did with a rather lackluster attack, netting over a third of Fulham’s goals in the league.

Liverpool was not any better—scoring one less in the league this season—but went eight games without striker Luis Suarez serving his suspension for racial abuse.

Dempsey can be an excellent compliment to Suarez as both a provider of the ball and receiver from Suarez himself. Both are just as comfortable dropping back into the midfield to receive the ball as they are making runs behind the line. Interchanging between them could be a difficult task for defenders to handle.

Furthermore, the American-owned club must be looking at the financial implications of such a move. Right now it is difficult for them to sit by and watch as their frugal local rivals not only get the better of them in the league, but also across the pond.

Everton’s taking on of American players such as Tim Howard and Landon Donovan has made them a popular club in the states and one of the more profitable brands.

Bringing Dempsey in could help Liverpool expand their own influence in the US, leading to more American transfers and cash flow in the future.

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