Hughes insists Dempsey not heading to Anfield

Fulham manager Mark Hughes has moved swiftly to quash rumours that forward Clint Dempsey is leaving the club.

The American is Hughes' top scorer this season with five league goals and that form led to him being linked to a reunion with former Fulham boss Roy Hodgson at Liverpool.

"I think his agent has been asked questions and he has tried to answer them intelligently," Hughes said.

"I am sure there is interest in Clint, all good players are mentioned at some point when you are entering a transfer window but there has been no contact from any club and we won't encourage it because I know he is very happy here, he is enjoying his football and he is making an impact for us."

Hughes is getting ready to launch his own transfer moves after seeing his current strike force hit with Bobby Zamora, Andy Johnson and Mousa Dembele struggle with injuries, but he is not so keen for other managers to approach his stars.

"The mad month is getting close and it will be on us very quickly. I am sure people are trying to get things in line but if anyone enquires about Clint they will be getting short shrift."

This story has been reproduced from today's media. It does not necessarily represent the position of Liverpool Football Club.