Hodgson expects Hangeland stay

Craven Cottage boss not concerned by ongoing discussions

Last updated: 11th July 2009   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Hodgson expects Hangeland stay

Hangeland: Contract discussions

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Fulham manager Roy Hodgson remains confident Brede Hangeland will stay at Craven Cottage despite the defender taking his time over a new contract offer.

The centre-back has been linked with Aston Villa, Manchester City and Arsenal after proving a big hit in the Premier League following his arrival in 2008.

Hodgson is keen to keep Hangeland as he prepares for participation in next season's Europa League and the Cottagers is boss is not concerned by drawn-out contract talks.

"He's a Fulham player, he's got a two-year contract at Fulham," said the former Inter Milan boss.

Movement

"We don't really intend to sell him, and he's very happy at the club. We've even offered him a new contract, an improved contract, which I think he's mulling over.

"Because he hasn't immediately jumped at the chance of a new contract, people are suggesting that there will be some movement. But I will be surprised if he moved."

However, Hodgson accepts there may well come a time when Hangeland moves on to a bigger club.

"Like everything else, Cristiano Ronaldo goes from Manchester United to Real Madrid, Kaka leaves Milan, there's always going to be bigger teams out there than the team you're working for," he added.

Loyal

"But Hangeland is a very loyal man, he's very happy at Fulham, so it would take a lot to move him but I can't give a stone-based guarantee that he won't leave us at some stage."

Meanwhile, Hodgson is unaware of any interest from Hull City in striker Bobby Zamora, adding: "I don't know anything about it.

"I spoke to the chief executive yesterday and of course, I spoke to him in the morning, and he may have something different to say when I speak to him tonight. At that stage there had been no offer for Bobby Zamora.

"I don't know if that is just paper talk or they have made a bid for him. At this moment in time I couldn't confirm or deny it."

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