Fulham coach Billy McKinlay is adamant that the club must hold on to star man Clint Dempsey.
The 29-year-old, who has scored 22 goals this season, has been linked with a move to the likes of Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the summer.
Dempsey has just 12 months left to run on his current deal at Craven Cottage and will not make a decision on his future until the summer. However, McKinlay believes that Fulham must keep the American at the club.
"I think it is vital to keep Clint," said McKinlay.
"He has been outstanding this season and I am sure the club will be doing everything in its power to keep him.
"He has been a vital player for us and, hopefully, we shall get that one tidied up."
Dempsey came fourth in the voting for the Footballer of the Year award.
