LIVERPOOL TRANSFER RUMOURS: Dempsey, Afellay, Allen and Carroll Discussed In Latest Speculation

The likelihood of Clint Dempsey pulling on the red of Liverpool continues to be a dominant topic of conversation. On Wednesday an embarrassing error saw the website of Fenway Sports Group, the owners of Liverpool, link to story claiming that Dempsey had already joined the club from Fulham.

That was quickly denied, but boss Brendan Rodgers admitted that an inquiry had been made for the U.S. international. According to the Independent, however, a bid has not been lodged for Dempsey because the two clubs remain some way apart in terms of a valuation.

With the 29-year-old midfielder having just a year remaining on his contract, it is understandable that the powers that be at Anfield will be loathed to offer up a sizable fee for his services. Certainly it is hard to envisage there being significant resale value for Dempsey. FSG's strategy since arriving at the club has been to look to sign young players packed with potential. The only signing thus far under Rodgers, Fabio Borini, fits this mold.

The Independent reports that Rodgers will now seek out alternatives with the possibility of returning for Dempsey later in the summer. With Dempsey having made his desire to move to a bigger club clear, Fulham may relent and lower their asking price as the end of the transfer window approaches.

The other big storyline coming out of Anfield in recent times has concerned the future of Andy Carroll. Rodgers has suggested in his recent comments that the £35 million striker may be available this summer, with Newcastle, Fulham, West Ham and Milan all said to be interested.

The Daily Mirror has now reported that Liverpool have told Carroll's advisers that he can leave for the right money, believed to be £20 million. Carroll is said to want to sort out his future next week when he returns from his extended break following Euro 2012. It has been reported that the England international wants to stay at Anfield but would accept a move back to his hometown club Newcastle.

As Rodgers continues to look at players to bring in, the Northern Irishman has claimed that he would be interested in once again working with Swansea's Joe Allen. Contrary to many reports, the Independent claims that no binding agreement was made preventing Rodgers from signing Swansea's players.

According to the paper's insight, though Swansea are reluctant to sell their star midfielder, they would entertain offers approaching £15 million.

Liverpool could also bolster their side's creative potential with a move for Ibrahim Afellay. Spanish publication El Mundo Deportivo has reported that the Dutchman has little future at the Nou Camp and could well leave the club this summer.

Afellay spent most of last season on the sidelines with a serious knee injury and, though he returned in time for Euro 2012, is expected to struggle for a first-team place next season with the emergence of youngsters Cristian Tello and Isaac Cuenca.

Inter and Arsenal are thought to be interested in the wide midfielder, although Liverpool have also been mentioned as a potential suitor in recent times.