Fulham FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1879
• Manager:Mark Hughes

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Murphy: Hangeland must stay

17 Aug 2009 - 11:00:36

Click To Enlarge

Captain Danny Murphy has urged Fulham to pull out all the stops in a bid to keep hold of Brede Hangeland.

The Norway defender has been linked with moves to Arsenal and Aston Villa following his impressive last season at the heart of the Cottagers defence.

Fulham boss Roy Hodgson insists he has no intention of letting Hangeland leave Craven Cottage and Murphy is hoping the transfer window closes with the 28-year-old centre-half still part of the squad.

"It is all very well talking about additions, but it is important to keep the players you already have," said the midfielder.

"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.

"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."