Aston Villa joins race for Dempsey

Aston Villa are understood to have joined the race to sign Fulham striker Clint Dempsey but the player would still prefer a move to Liverpool.

Sources close to Villa have confirmed the midlands club had reached agreement with the Cottagers for Dempsey with a bid of around £7million being accepted.

However, Dempsey still wants to make the switch to Merseyside with the Reds his number one choice.

Sunderland are also interested in signing the United States international.