The return of King Dempsey

Fulham have completed a double signing after United States captain Clint Dempsey returned to his former club on a two-month loan and Alan Curbishley was brought in as First Team Technical Director.

The 30-year-old Dempsey is currently with Seattle Sounders FC and he will spend the Major League Soccer off-season at Craven Cottage in what will be his second spell at the club.

Meanwhile, former Charlton and West Ham manager Curbishley will work closely with head coach René Meulensteen as the club seek to retain their Premier League status for a 14th consecutive year.

Dempsey spent five and a half seasons at the west London club having first signed a permanent deal in January 2007 from New England Revolution.

In his first spell with Fulham Dempsey scored 60 goals in 225 appearances, among the most memorable was the fourth goal in a 4-1 win over Juventus in the Europa League which completed a comeback over two legs as they made their way to the final in 2010.

The midfielder also scored the only goal of the match against Liverpool at Craven Cottage in May 2007 which secured Premier League football for the club the following season.

He was voted Fulham's player of the season two years in a row, the last after the 2011/12 season after which he signed for Tottenham in August 2012.

Arsenal Youngster out for loan (but he doesn't look too pleased to be there!)

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom joined Brentford on a month-long loan on Thursday, despite leaving Arsenal short of cover up front.The 18-year-old was expected to stay at The Emirates as cover following injuries to Theo Walcott and Nicklas Bendtner.

Akpom, who has made a handful of appearances for the Arsenal first team, guided the young Gunners through to the next stage of the FA Youth Cup on Monday with a hat-trick against Peterborough.

Brentford boss Mark Warburton was in the stands as the youngster impressed in the 6-1 win, with Peterborough, Leyton Orient and MK Dons also keen. 

Warburton told the club's official website: 'I am delighted to welcome Chuba to the Club for what will be his first loan spell away from his home club.

'I have enjoyed watching Chuba's development over the last two seasons and particularly noticed his contribution for Arsenal in the NextGen Series tournament.