Source: SKY_Sports
Hodgson - Hands off stars
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has warned potential admirers of the star members of his squad that he has no intention of selling in the summer.
After steering the Cottagers away from Premier League relegation on the final day of last season, the former Inter Milan boss has guided his side to an impressive current position of eighth.
That form is understood to have alerted a number of clubs to Fulham's key contributors, with the likes of centre-back Brede Hangeland, captain Danny Murphy, and midfielder Clint Dempsey earning high praise.
But Hodgson, who is on the verge of opening contract talks with Hangeland, insists he does not want to sell, and he is hoping to reinforce his playing staff at the end of the season.
"I'm hoping the nucleus of our squad is with us next year," he said.
"We are not looking to release players, more to strengthening with a few players to bring in."
And ahead of Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough, Hodgson is hoping goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer can remind his former club of what they are missing as they fight the drop.
The Australian shot-stopper left The Riverside on a free transfer last summer and Hodgson has been more than impressed.
"We didn't buy him of course, he was a free transfer," Hodgson said. "So in that respect, if the transfer cost to Fulham was zero he must be the best signing of the season.
"He's been a major contributor to the success. He's had an outstanding season, the goalkeeper we thought he was.
"His performances have been unbelievably consistent and the way he deals with shots and crosses has been very good.
"The stability he has brought to the team is something you can see in the confidence the back four have in him.
"Every team have units and our back four and goalkeeper have been very strong this year - Mark has been a major factor in that."
