Fulham to 'step up Andy Carroll interest'

Fulham are reportedly preparing to step up their efforts to sign Liverpool forward Andy Carroll.

The 23-year-old England international is believed to be out of favour at Anfield following the arrival of new manager Brendan Rodgers.

Martin Jol is a big fan of Carroll and it was rumoured earlier this week that the Cottagers boss may be prepared to offer Clint Dempsey to the Reds in a part-exchange deal for the player.

Following Fulham's capture of Hugo Rodallega yesterday, the West London club are in a better position to use Dempsey as a bargaining tool because they have signed a player that has the ability to replace the American's creative influence on the team.

According to The Guardian, Fulham are now poised to lodge a firm bid for the permanent transfer of Carroll.

The newspaper also claims that Liverpool would be willing to accept an offer of £9m plus Dempsey.

Dempsey has 12 months remaining on his contract at Fulham, while Carroll's current deal expires in the summer of 2016.