Villa join chase for Dempsey

Aston Villa have joined the race to sign Fulham striker Clint Dempsey but the player would still prefer a move to Liverpool, Press Association Sport understands.

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.

Villa boss Paul Lambert did confirm that a deal for Chesterfield striker Jordan Bowery "was nearly done", with the 21-year-old set to complete a £500,000 move plus add-ons.

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