Hodgson hopeful on Hangeland

24 April 2009 16:30
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful star defender Brede Hangeland will put pen-to-paper on an improved contract at Craven Cottage.[LNB] The strong Norwegian defender, who has two years remaining on his existing contract, has been the stand-out performer week in, week out for Fulham in what has been a superb season for the West Londoners.[LNB]Hangeland's form has reportedly attracted interest from bigger clubs and Hodgson is wary of stating he will never leave when if the right offer does come in he might.[LNB]However, in the short term, Hodgson is keen for the 27-year-old's form to be rewarded and has confirmed he is holding talks with the club over improved terms.[LNB]Respect"I know he's happy here and that we've very happy with him," he told Sky Sports News. "We've showing our respect for him by offering him a new contract [LNB]"I don't know where he is with that, but I know that he's in discussions with the chief executive, so we're doing everything we can to show how much we appreciate him and how much we want him to stay.[LNB]"Of course there's always lots of clubs out there. It's a brave man these days, especially those outside the top four in this country who can say 'no one's ever going to touch my players'. I think we're all in that situation were bigger clubs want to come in and steal your players they put you in a difficult situation, but I'm hoping that won't happen.[LNB]"I'm always very wary of making both statements. The fact is he our player and remains our player. We'll fight tooth and nail to keep him, but I don't want to one day see a headline where I'm quoted as saying 'Hangeland will never leave' and that day he's going somewhere."[LNB]

Source: SKY_Sports