Well, cup keeper Carlo Cudicini is on Clint's favored No. 23, so they offered Deuce at least half his old number I guess.

Dempsey doesn't come across to me as a person who takes the slightest interest in the traditional squad numbering system, however interesting we may find it.
I have heard that he has not denied the statement, but he's come out and made another statement saying he's happy in Liverpool and wants to focus on "reach[ing] our goals of the season". So he's neither denied nor confirmed the initial statement. Clear as mud, but the implication appears to be that Fellaini is looking for greener pastures.