Hodgson hopeful on Hangeland

Fulham manager Roy Hodgson is hopeful star defender Brede Hangeland will put pen-to-paper on an improved contract at Craven Cottage. 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.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.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.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 "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."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."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."

Source: SKY_Sports