Martin Jol, Fulham manager

Martin Jol is hoping to keep star player Clint Dempsey

Fulham boss Martin Jol has rebuffed rumours linking star player Clint Dempsey with a move to Liverpool, insisting that talks were ongoing over a new contract.

The Whites talisman has scored 22 goals in 44 games this campaign and has been linked with a move to a bigger club.

Dempsey’s current deal expires at the end of next season and the Reds are a number of clubs thought to be keen on the American.

“As you know we talked to him and hopefully he will sign a contract to keep him here for the next three years,” the Dutchman said, speaking ahead of Sunday’s clash with Sunderland.

“If not, he’s still our player because there is no club that has made an approach for him. Of course it’s nice if they are positive about him.

“I’m very positive about a few Liverpool players because I like them a lot but it doesn’t mean we can afford to buy them.”

Liverpool chairman Tom Werner said that any team would be lucky to have Clint Dempsey in their squad but the Fulham boss was unconcerned by these comments.

“If a manager does that it’s different because it’s a tap-up but if it’s an owner, he probably doesn’t know about the rules and agreements. I’m not bothered about it,” Jol added.