Andy Johnson 'very interested' in UAE switch

Fulham could lose two of their big-name players this summer with striker Andy Johnson and midfielder Clint Dempsey suggesting their respective futures may lie elsewhere.

Johnson, who is out of contract at Craven Cottage at the end of June, has battled injury problems during most of his time at the club.

And the former Everton forward's agent, Anthony McFarlane, suggested a move to the lucrative United Arab Emirates league could now be on the cards for his client.

"He is now 31, and he has never been in this situation in his career where he is available on a Bosman," McFarlane told UAE sports daily Sport360.

"His mind is open and he's looking at all his options, both here in England and abroad. He is keen on a new challenge and very interested in a move to the UAE provided the offer is right."

Despite not receiving any offers for Johnson's services, McFarlane claimed his client has attracted lot of interest and would consider his family in any move he makes.

"He's married, he's got two kids and a move to the UAE would provide a nice lifestyle and a new experience for AJ and his family," he said.

"There have been no concrete offers as such at this moment in time, but there has been strong interest from a number of clubs in the gulf area, including a couple from the UAE."

Meanwhile, 29-year-old Dempsey has again expressed his desire to play Champions League football as soon as possible.

The United States international scored 17 Premier League goals last season and has been linked with a move to the likes of Arsenal and Manchester United and he is now aiming to play in Europe's elite club competition.

"The transfer window is open until August 31 - its no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career," he said.

"If it's meant to be, it will be."

Although Dempsey is looking to move to a club who can provide constant European football he also revealed he would remain fully committed to the Cottagers until his future was decided.

He said: "What I do is focus on the teams that I play for and I give my heart to them, work as hard as I can to try to make the most of my time and make the most of the career that I have left."

Fulham boss Martin Jol may decide to cash in on Dempsey rather than run the risk of losing him on a free transfer next summer and the funds would allow the Dutchman to continue his rebuilding of the team.

Jol led the Cottagers to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League in his first season at the helm.

PA