Everton Ready To Bid For Cardiff City's Joe Ledley & Fulham's Clint Dempsey - Report

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David Moyes - Everton (PA)

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Everton are being linked with moves for Cardiff City's unsettled midfielder Joe Ledley and Fulham's USA striker Clint Dempsey, according to The Sun.

The tabloid reckons that the Toffees could intervene to break the impasse between Cardiff and Ledley, 22, who is out of contract next summer.

The Welshman, a local lad, has said he has not been offered a new deal by the Bluebirds, who claim they are ready to sit down and negotiate a new contract.

However, the Championship club have made it clear that, should Ledley not soften his stance, then rather than allow him to leave on a Bosman free next year, they will listen to offers from other clubs now.

Cardiff chairman Peter Ridsdale is quoted as saying by The Sun, "We're a bit puzzled by Joe's attitude. We're happy to give him a new deal, which would include a pay rise and a get-out clause should a Premier League club come in for him. He would be in a win-win situation."

But if Ledley declines a new deal, it is speculated that Everton manager David Moyes, who is an admirer of the player, could well launch a bid.

The Bluebirds, who rejected a £6 million offer from Stoke City on deadline day last August, are expected to ask at least £5m this summer.

Meanwhile Clint Dempsey, who has turned down Fulham's latest offer of a new two-year contract, could be another Everton target.

The US international striker is likely to cost the Toffees around £4 million, although Fulham are not expected to let him leave without first putting up a fight to keep him.

Dempsey has one more year to run on his existing contract, but by refusing to accept the Cottagers' latest offer he has encouraged Moyes to line up a bid for him.

The Sun claim that Everton are willing to pay him £37,000 a week, which apparently represents £12,000 a week more than he is currently earning at Craven Cottage.

Graham Lister, Goal.com

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