Fulham are convinced they can land Liverpool striker Andy Carroll ahead of West Ham United. The Mirror says Fulham believe they hold a trump card with Liverpool keen to sign free scoring Clint 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 no option but to sell.

The Carroll situation, however, represents an opportunity for Fulham to land a player that Fulham boss Martin Jol would like to work with.