Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers confirmed the club's interest in Fulham forward Clint Dempsey, while dismissing any chances of a loan move for Andy Carroll.
The website of Fenway Sport Group, the American owners of Liverpool, said the club had "added Clint Dempsey to a team that came within a game of winning the FA Cup. Bewildered by the news, Fulham released a statement saying they had not received any offers. Soon after, the story was removed from the website.
Rodgers, however, confirmed there was interest in bringing the American striker to Anfield. "Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that," Rodgers told the club's official website.
"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club to see what the position is. That is where we're at.
"He's a very talented player but we don't like to talk about other clubs' players."
Fulham said, while there had been some contact earlier in the summer, no official bid had been made. "We have received no offers from any club for Clint Dempsey," a Fulham spokesperson said. "We would discourage any club from making a bid for him."
Rodgers also revealed the situation that faces England international Carroll. While ruling out a temporary move, Rodgers admitted the striker could be sold, if a suitable bid was found. "There has been a lot written and spoken about him but first and foremost Andy is a Liverpool player," the former Swansea City manager said.
"To consider a loan period for someone the club spent £35million on isn't something we're looking to do at this moment in time.
"Andy will be the same as every other player -- if there's ever an offer that comes in we'd look at it as a club and see if it's going to be worthwhile for the club and the team as a whole.
"The club invested £35million ($55 million) in him. People talk about whether he can fit into my style or not, but if you're a club and you spend £35million on a player you'd like to think he can fit into whatever style the team plays.
"He's a good player. He'll join the rest of the group next week and we'll take it from there."