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Roy Hodgson Confident Brede Hangeland Will Stay At Fulham
The Cottagers boss feels the Norwegian defender will remain with the club.
Jul 11, 2009 3:43:01 PM
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson feels that defender Brede Hangeland will continue his career at Craven Cottage.
The Norway international has been the subject of much speculation over the last year, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City all reportedly showing an interest.
Hodgson has said that negotiations for a new contract are ongoing, and stated that the 28-year-old was very happy at the club.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hodgson said, "He's a Fulham player, he's got a two-year contract at Fulham.
"We've 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, the Cottagers boss does understand that in the near future the player may want a move 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," stated the former Inter Milan boss.
The Norway international has been the subject of much speculation over the last year, with Arsenal, Aston Villa and Manchester City all reportedly showing an interest.
Hodgson has said that negotiations for a new contract are ongoing, and stated that the 28-year-old was very happy at the club.
Speaking to BBC Sport, Hodgson said, "He's a Fulham player, he's got a two-year contract at Fulham.
"We don't really intend to sell him, and he's very happy at the club."
The Norwegian's current deal runs out next summer, and Hodgson said that the player is considering the clubs new offer."We've 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, the Cottagers boss does understand that in the near future the player may want a move 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," stated the former Inter Milan boss.
"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."
The former FC Copenhagen defender arrived at Craven Cottage in January 2008, and has since played 52 league games for the club, scoring once.
Nick Turner, Goal.com
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