Breaking News: Fulham's Clint Dempsey Linked to Aston Villa

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Sky Sports News (TV) are reporting a fee has been agreed between Fulham and Aston Villa for Clint Dempsey.

U.S. international Dempsey has been left out of Fulham's squad for their opening two Premier League matches and is clearly keen for a move away from Craven Cottage.

But Villa? Does that really represent a move forward in Dempsey's career? I'd argue not.

Of course, just because a fee has been agreed, doesn't mean Dempsey will agree to the move. He still has a year left on his Fulham contract.

Here's Rory Smith of The Times, who believes Dempsey would have gone to Liverpool had Fulham agreed a swap deal with Jordan Henderson. Henderson, as mentioned earlier, is thought to have turned down that option.

Villa offer for Dempsey came from Fulham scouring round for a deal. #LFC had swap agreed til Henderson pulled out; will have to be cash now.
— Rory Smith (@RorySmithTimes) August 31, 2012