Fulham confirm Clint Dempsey absence

Premier League side Fulham have confirmed reports that Clint Dempsey has not travelled with his teammates to the club's pre-season training base in Switzerland.

Speculation arose yesterday evening that the American international had informed manager Martin Jol that he did not want to be included in the travelling party in an attempt to force through a transfer to Liverpool.

"Clint and Hugo Rodallega are both staying in London to work on their fitness at the training ground," a spokesman from the Cottagers told Goal.com.

"Neither are scheduled to feature in the weekend friendly against Nice which is the reason neither have travelled.

"We are not to prepared to comment on any further speculation."

It is believed that Fulham will demand at least £10m for the 29-year-old.