Fulham rebuff QPR approach for Hangeland

Jan 29, 2013 1:02:00 PM

Rs manager Harry Redknapp has targeted the Norway international as he steps up his search for a proven centre-back in the last days of the January transfer window

EXCLUSIVE
By Wayne Veysey | Chief Correspondent

Fulham have rebuffed an approach from QPR for Brede Hangeland, Goal.com understands.

The commanding centre-back has been targeted by Harry Redknapp, who is urgently trying to recruit at least one proven defender in the last days of the January transfer window.

QPR are hoping to land Hangeland for a bargain fee after learning that he has still not signed the new contract offered by Fulham at the end of last year.

West Brom's Jonas Olsson and Porto's Rolando have also been on QPR's radar this month as manager Redknapp attempts to plug the gaps in his squad left by the exits of Ryan Nelsen, who has been appointed the new manager of MLS side Toronto, and Anton Ferdinand, who has joined Bursaspor on loan.

Hangeland’s current deal expires in the summer and he has indicated to the club that he will commit to the extended terms, which would bring him in line with top earners Mark Schwarzer and Dimitar Berbatov.

But the Norway international, who turns 32 in June, can sign a free transfer pre-contract agreement with a foreign club before Thursday night’s deadline or push for a move to Loftus Road.

Nevertheless, the experienced defender, who joined Fulham in January 2008, is understood to be settled at Craven Cottage and unlikely to follow former colleagues Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson to Loftus Road.

Manager Martin Jol has said he is “optimistic” that Hangeland will take up the “good” offer from the club.

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