Fulham face stiff competition for Seattle Sounders striker Clint Dempsey.

The Fulham Chronicle says Dempsey is available on a short-term deal during the MLS off-season and Rene Meulensteen could swoop to bring the 30-year-old back to SW6.

West Ham United boss Sam Allardyce is desperate to add to his firepower in January after seeing his struggling side manage just 13 goals in 16 games.

Stoke chief Mark Hughes, who worked with Dempsey during their time together at Fulham, is also weighing up a move.