Fulham plot Carroll-Dempsey Liverpool swap

Fulham are plotting to swoop on Liverpool's Andy Carroll in a swap deal with Clint Dempsey who wants to play for a big club.

Both clubs are up against Italian giants AC Milan who are also bidding for the 23-year-old England striker's services on loan. 

But Fulham will use Liverpool's interest in Dempsey to rival West Ham in the race to land Carroll, according to the Mirror.             

All three must wait for an answer until the £35 million striker returns from holiday in Brazil.             

Fulham, however, believe they hold a trump card with Liverpool keen to sign Dempsey.             
The American, 29, hit 23 goals in all competitions last season - including the winner in the Cottagers' 1-0 shock home Premier League win over the Reds in December.             

Although Fulham want to keep hold of Dempsey the Texan-born star has made it clear he wants to join a bigger club and the west Londoners have no option but to sell.   
    
Carroll wants to stay at Anfield but new boss Brendan Rodgers has doubts over whether the target man will be able to fit into his new system for next season.     
        
Dempsey could become the first major signing for Rodgers who opted out of the chase for Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Carroll has been linked with AC Milan but the Liverpool manager insists there has been no approach.
 
"He is a very good young player and he will be linked with clubs with them because he is such a good player," said Rodgers.
 
"It is something I have spoken to him about (while he is still) on his holidays so he knows exactly where he stands.
 
"I haven't had anything from AC Milan at all."

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