Clint Dempsey: Signing the American Striker Is a Must for Liverpool

The signing of Clint Dempsey would give Liverpool the scoring punch it desperately lacks.

According to reports from the Daily Mirror, Liverpool is close to signing the American star in a transfer deal from Fulham, though Fulham has disputed the report.  

Liverpool needs to ensure that it happens though, because the move would be very beneficial for Reds.

Dempsey is America’s most electrifying striker, and over the last few seasons he's transformed into a force for Fulham. 

He started out a bit slow in Europe, but that was due to an understandable adjustment period.  He had get used to the higher level of European play, and his new role off the bench after he transferred to Britain from the MLS's New England Revolution.

However, over the past few years he has emerged as the Cottagers' top goal scoring threat and has helped cement Fulham as a member of the Premier League.

This past season he was one of the most dangerous finishers in Europe. Dempsey netted 17 goals for the Cottagers—the highest total on the team—and started all but one match.

He also has become one of the most popular players on the squad, as his workman like play and tough attitude has resonated with the Fulham fans.

That approach and his goal scoring prowess would be a refreshing addition for Liverpool.

Last season the Reds struggled to find consistency from their forwards, and had a difficult time putting the ball in the net.

It showed in the final standings too, as the Reds finished in the eighth position, their worst placement in 18 years.

The biggest issue in their games was Liverpool's lack of an elite finisher.  Luis Suárez was supposed to be that, but he netted only 11 goals and seemed to be cause more controversy than anything else.

Behind Suárez there wasn't much to work with either, with Craig Bellamy finishing second on the team six goals.

Dempsey would alleviate much of this.

He would provide a much needed complement to the streaky Suárez, and could also provide some stability to a front-line that was in shambles last season.

He's also a high character guy, who could potentially partially overshadow the sideshow antics that Suárez tends to provide.

Dempsey is exactly the kind of player that Liverpool needs to add.

The Reds must do everything possible to ensure he suits up for them in the 2012-13 season.