Dempsey delays deal decision

Clint Dempsey has chosen to delay any decision about his future at Fulham until the Summer, potentially opening a bidding war between some of the Premier League's most prestigious clubs.

Martin Jol is more-than-keen to tie the versatile American down on a long term contract, with his current one set to run out at the end of the 2012/13 campaign, but Manchester United, Arsenal, Tottenham and Liverpool have all been credited with an interest and Dempsey himself has made no secret of his desire to play Champions League football.

The Texan-born midfielder has been a revelation this season, scoring 20 goals so far and topping Louis Saha's record of the most Premier League goals in one year for the club. As such, Jol has expressed his desire to see Dempsey say but the player himself is more open about his future in football.

"We will see what happens," said Dempsey. "It is one of my best memories of being at Fulham, this season, and I have one more to go.

"I am talking with the club but we will have to see what happens in the summer."

The interest in Dempsey has been no surprise, however, with his season seemingly getting stronger for every weekend that passes. His adaptation between the wide midfield and striker roles has been one of his particularly strong points and the player himself has recognised the talent needed to get through what has been a long and arduous campaign.

"I work hard every year. If you look at the positions I have played this season - mostly left mid, coming inside - but mostly it is just trying to get in the box and get on the end of things.

"Maybe I have just been more cool, calm and collected and just been able to finish things off."

As for where we will finish, he was somewhat sceptical. There is a feeling that, perhaps, a European spot is just beyond us with the particularly tight squeeze for any extra points.

"We have to wait and see. There are still a lot of games left and it is really tight around us.

"Maybe [we will get a European spot] - but I think finishing in the top half would be a good season for us."