Fulham have signed Norwegian international Brede Hangeland from FC Copenhagen.

The 26-year-old centre back, who captained FK Viking under Roy Hodgson, has signed a three-and-a-half year contract at Craven Cottage.

Hodgson told Fulham’s official website: “I am delighted to welcome Brede to Fulham and I think he will prove to be a tremendous signing for us. I am of course very familiar with his ability and am confident that he will help our defensive options, and play an important part in the remaining games of this, and the following seasons.”

Hangeland, who has more than 40 caps for Norway to his name, was part of the Copenhagen side that beat Manchester United in last season’s Champions’ League. He won two Danish titles with Copenhagen and lifted the Norwegian Cup in 2001 during his time with Viking.