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.

Meanwhile, Villa have confirmed the signing of Chesterfield striker Jordan Bowery for an undisclosed fee on a three-year contract. Bowery becomes the sixth new signing at Villa this summer following defenders Ron Vlaar, Joe Bennett and Matt Lowton, and midfield duo Brett Holman and Karim El Ahmadi.

His father Bert Bowery was also a striker who played for Nottingham Forest under Brian Clough before moving to the North American Soccer League in 1976.

Villa boss Paul Lambert said: "Jordan is a good player. The hunger will be there for him and he could surprise a few people.

"He's a good lad, he's strong and powerful. He's played over 100 games in the Football League and cup football, so he's battle-hardened.

"He's one for the future but if he steps up to the plate like I think he can then I would have no hesitation in throwing him in, none whatsoever."

However hopes of signing Belgium international striker Christian Benteke appear to be fading after an improved offer of around £6m was also turned down by Genk.

Genk are reported to want at least double that amount and Lambert admitted Villa would not match those sort of financial demands.

He said: "The situation hasn't changed from the last few days. It is where it is at the minute. Would Villa pay £15 million? No."