Ryan Dempster Rumors: Yankees, Rangers, Dodgers

UPDATE: The Cubs are saying the Yankees are involved in discussions for Dempster, and Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports has reported New York has contacted Chicago.

Sources tell me and @jonmorosi that #Yankees have indeed contacted #Cubs about acquiring Dempster. Teams not talking seriously - yet.

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 31, 2012

Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports that Dempster has indicated he would accept a trade to the Yankees.

ORIGINAL STORY: Three teams are in play for Chicago Cubs right-hander Ryan Dempster, the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers, reports David Kaplan of CSNChicago.com:

Baseball sources have confirmed to me that three teams are in play for Ryan Dempster and he will approve a deal to any of the three teams if the Cubs can agree on a suitable return in exchange for the veteran right-hander who is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who have long been Dempster's preferred destination will have to increase their offer as the Texas Rangers and New York Yankees have stepped up their pursuit over the last 48 hours.

With Dempster reportedly vetoing a trade to the Atlanta Braves earlier this month, it appeared the Cubs had lost significant leverage as the Dodgers seemed to be the only remaining suitor. This reportedly resulted in LA using this leverage to lessen its proposed offers for Dempster.

However, Kaplan says the Dodgers will have to step up their offering with the Rangers and Yankees jumping into the mix.

Despite Kaplan's report, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com is saying there is no evidence that the Yankees have discussed Dempster with the Cubs. Jayson Stark of ESPN is also reporting New York has said they're not in on Dempster.

______________________________________________________________________________

Where will Dempster land today?

______________________________________________________________________________