By Hayley Paterson
USA boss Jurgen Klinsmann has encouraged Clint Dempsey to clinch a move to a UEFA Champions League club.
Fulham’s attacking midfielder has been a star performer at Craven Cottage this term, netting 17 goals in 37 league appearances for Martin Jol’s side.
Over the years the 29-year-old has attracted a lot of attention including reported interest from Liverpool, Arsenal and Paris St Germain and the American has also made it clear that he would relish the chance to play for a bigger club and experience Europe’s top-flight competition.
His national boss Klinsmann is also hopeful the former New England Revolution star will get the move he is after and expects it to happen soon.
“If you play consistently at the highest level then offers will come in. I think everybody is aware of that. His goal is the right goal, we have often discussed it,” said Klinsmann, who is preparing his side to face Scotland.
Biggest club
“But you want to play in the biggest club competition in the world and that’s the European Champions League and hopefully something will happen over the next couple of weeks.
“If it doesn’t happen then he has to keep pounding away and knocking at the door.”
Former Inter Milan and Spurs striker Klinsmann said Dempsey’s club situation had been a topic of discussion over the past season.
“We haven’t talked about it yet (this week) – but before on the phone, following up his Premier League games we discussed different ways of approaching things,” said the German.
Dempsey will miss the Scotland clash with a groin injury but Klinsmann is hopeful of having his midfield talisman ready for Wednesday’s friendly against Brazil in the run-up to June’s World Cup qualifiers.
