Striker Dempsey leaves Tottenham and returns to MLS

"We have reached agreement with Major League Soccer for the transfer of Clint Dempsey," a statement on the Spurs website said on Saturday.

"The United States international returns to MLS after making 43 appearances and scoring 12 goals in our colours following his signing from Fulham last summer."

The complex regulations surrounding Major League Soccer transfers means Dempsey will initially rejoin MLS and then a club, with U.S. media widely reporting it will be Seattle Sounders.

Dempsey previously played for the New England Revolution for two seasons before joining Fulham in January 2007.