Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has confirmed that negotiations have begun to improve and extend the contract of defender Brede Hangeland ahead of tonight’s clash with Hull.

The Norway captain has been a big success in his 14 months at Craven Cottage, helping Fulham avoid relegation last season and achieve a top-ten place this term.

Hodgson said: “We have had plans for a while to talk to him a) about an extension and b) about improving his contract. That’s in hand.”

Hangeland has made it clear he is currently happy to stay at Fulham but Hodgson know the 27-year-old could soon be the subject of a resolve-testing bid.

He said: “If it happens, it happens and we will deal with it the best we can but in the meantime Brede and other players who might interest other clubs are still here and we will do our best to keep them.”