Dempsey loan could save Fulham’s season yet

Currently in the relegation zone and backed at 13/8 to go down at Ladbrokes, Fulham’s season could yet hinge on the January arrival of former fans’ favourite Clint Dempsey.

Reports suggest the US international, who is on the books at MLS side Seattle Sounders, is seeking a return to the English top flight in a bid to ensure he remains in peak physical condition ahead of next summer’s World Cup.

And one of the sides the 30-year-old is currently being linked with is the Cottagers, the club he departed for Tottenham in rather acrimonious circumstances back in August 2012.

But after seeing his Spurs dreams ultimately falter after just a single season at White Hart Lane, Dempsey may be willing to make a return to Craven Cottage where he enjoyed arguably the form of his career to date.

In six seasons with the club the American racked up an impressive 60 goals in 225 appearances, with a haul of 17 Premier League strikes in his final season showcasing his eye for goal.

Bringing the man who scored arguably one of the most famous goals ever witnessed at the ground – a delightful chip over Juventus’s Gianluigi Buffon in a stunning Europa League victory over the Italian giants – could go some way to appeasing fans more used to boos than cheers this term.

He could certainly be the man to add a little more attacking verve in the final third, with Fulham averaging less than a goal-a-game this term and that total is boosted significantly by the four-strike haul recorded away to bottom side Crystal Palace.

Should he hit the ground running, then odds of 1/2 on the Cottagers maintaining their Premier League status could prove a snip.

And should Fulham announce their intentions to recruit the Team USA man in the New Year then Martin Jol could yet be afforded a little more time.

The Dutchman is the current favourite to be the next manager to be sacked in the English top-flight at 1/3, following the appointment of Rene Meulensteen as head coach.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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