Top-selling official EPL player jerseys

Robin van Persie’s popularity at Manchester United since joining from Arsenal in the summer is demonstrated by news that his is the best-selling official Barclays Premier League shirt in North America this season.



Figures released by Sporting ID, which produces the names, numbers and sleeve badges of the Barclays Premier League, show that the United forward, who has scored 11 Premier League goals so far, leads his United strike partner Wayne Rooney, who was found to have had the best-selling shirt in the League’s history. In third is Chelsea striker Fernando Torres.

"North American soccer fans support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else"

Robert Thayne

United States striker Clint Dempsey is the biggest mover, rising to sixth after his move from Fulham to Tottenham Hotspur in August. Dempsey is the first US player to make the top 10 in North American sales.

"North American soccer fans continue to support the Barclays Premier League as fanatically as anywhere else, often waking at 4am to catch games on TV," said Sporting iD’s global sales and marketing director Robert Thayne. "Players like Van Persie, Eden Hazard, Clint Dempsey, Steven Gerrard and Jack Wilshere are top-class players playing for the biggest clubs in the world and their fans in North America are really no different than the ones who live in the UK.

“They are clearly showing their support of these players and their club by personalizing jerseys with official Premier League player names, numbers and sleeve badges.”



Top-selling official Barclays Premier League player jerseys in North America : -



1. Robin van Persie (Manchester United)

2. Wayne Rooney (Manchester United)

3. Fernando Torres (Chelsea)

4. Eden Hazard (Chelsea)

5. Frank Lampard (Chelsea)

6. Clint Dempsey (Tottenham Hotspur)

7. Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)

8. Javier Hernandez (Manchester United)

9. Shinji Kagawa (Manchester United)

10. Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)

Dempsey misses Fulham trip

Clint Dempsey has missed Fulham's pre-season tour of Switzerland, with the club citing a 'lack of match fitness' for his absence.



The American international has been linked with a move to Liverpool who confirmed last month they are interested in signing the attacking midfielder.

Fulham spokeswoman Katie Holmes said Dempsey has remained in London "to work on his fitness" with the youth team.

Holmes refused to comment on media reports concerning a possible switch to Merseyside.

It has been reported that Dempsey and Fulham manager Martin Jol were involved in a fiery debate before the squad flew out of London.

Dempsey has told club officials that he is keen to leave west London.

Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers told his own club's website in July: "Clint is a player we've enquired about, it is as simple as that.

"Ian Ayre, our managing director, has spoken with the club (Fulham) 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."



The 29-year-old scored 23 goals in 46 games for the Cottagers last season, with Fulham opening their Premier League fixtures on August 18 at home to Norwich.

Fulham ace linked with Reds

New boss Brendan Rodgers is looking to bring Fulham striker Clint Dempsey to Anfield as he starts to shape his own squad.



Rodgers is looking to stamp his own authority on the club and Demspey is just one of many targets he hopes to sign before the start of the season.



Dempsey has just one year remaining on his current deal and the Cottagers could well be tempted to cash in on the USA international rather than see him leave as a free agent in 2013.



The 29-year-old enjoyed a hugely successful campaign in the Premier League last season with 23 goals and his performances have not gone unnoticed, Arsenal have also been linked with a move.



Dempsey admits he is keen to test himself in the Champions League, but he is also happy where he is and may not move on.



"The transfer window is open until August 31," Dempsey told London24. "It's no secret that I would like to play Champions League one day in my career.

"It it's meant to be, it will be."