Source: London_Paper
Fulham skipper Danny Murphy expects Brede Hangeland stay
FULHAM skipper Danny Murphy says he expects Brede Hangeland to stay at Craven Cottage.
The Norway international has been linked with the Gunners since the end of last season and speculation of Arsene Wenger tabling an offer for the 6ft 5 centre-half has been mounting following the sale of Kolo Toure to Manchester City.
But Murphy reckons Hangeland should repay the faith shown in him by manager Roy Hodgson by signing a new long-term contract with the Cottagers.
Murphy said: "Hangeland has progressed so much in the last 18 months, and I think it would do him good to stay with us another season.
"I hope he signs a new contract - that is down to him. But he is a sensible lad and is in negotiations, and is certainly not someone who is asking for the world.
"He is very aware that Fulham were the club that gave him his chance in the Premier League, and I am sure he will repay us by staying."
Fulham kicked off their Premier League campaign with a 1-0 win over Portsmouth thanks to a fortuitous deflected goal from Bobby Zamora.
Clint Dempsey set his sights on goal from 25 yards, and his effort struck Zamora on the back before spinning past David James and creeping in.
Zamora snubbed a move to Hull City earlier this month and Murphy says Hangeland should follow the former West Ham striker?s lead and rebuff advances from other clubs.
The midfielder said: ?It is all very well talking about additions, but it is important to keep the players you already have.
"One of the major reasons for our success last season was that we were able to field the same team so many times.
"If we lost any of the big players it is going to have an impact on us because trying to find players of that quality in today's market is difficult.?
