Clint Dempsey: Staying at Fulham Would Be Setback for American Star

Clint Dempsey has been heavily linked to Liverpool after the best season of his club career, but it doesn't look like Fulham will let him go without a fight. For his career to truly take off, he needs to move on from Craven Cottage this summer.

After weeks of speculation, the Cottagers have taken a firm stance when it comes to hanging on to Dempsey. Harry Harris of ESPN reports that team sources said no bids have been received for the American striker and that Fulham are not interested in receiving any.

The 29-year-old Texas native finally had the season fans of the United States national team always knew he was capable of. He scored 23 goals in 46 games across all competitions and was frequently the most dangerous player on the pitch, even against elite competition.

Unlike younger players who can afford to wait it out before making a big move, Dempsey is squarely in his prime right now and must make a move before his peak playing years pass him by. One down season and suddenly the interest from big teams will disappear.

Dempsey needs to capitalize while his value is high. It wouldn't be due to a negative view of Fulham. After all, the team gave him the playing time necessary to become a star, but there are bigger challenges on the horizon and limited time to tackle them.

If he remains with the team heading into next season, there's a chance he gets stuck there. Although he might have some great seasons, there would always be a feeling that he missed out on something.

Moving on is a natural progression that players around the world go through every year. Dempsey is just a different case because he was a late bloomer. Fulham molded him into a star and don't want to lose him after a big campaign, which is understandable.

That means Dempsey will have to make a stronger push if he really wants to get dealt. He's stayed out of the fray for a majority of the offseason, but it's getting down to crunch time and nothing has happened.

It puts the onus on him to start being more aggressive. That might be tough for somebody with a laid-back attitude like him, but it's his future and he has to live with whatever happens before the transfer window closes.

Dempsey will never have a better opportunity than right now. He needs to realize that before it's too late.