Fulham are confident that they can conclude negotiations on Brede Hangeland’s new contract in the near future.

The club met with the Norway captain’s agent this week and are set for more talks next week. A club source seems to think that Hangealnd has little desire to join one of the ‘big four’ and is happy to stay at Fulham. They are quoted as saying:

Why go to a club where you might not play every week? It’s really just a case of a new contract being agreed at the right price – and both parties are well on their way towards that.

I wonder if the club source is being a little naive in so readily dismissing the chances of Hangeland ending up at one of the big clubs but the fact that Fulham feel an agreement is so close is encouraging.

The centre back himself has stressed that he wants to stay with Fulham and has told of being stopped on the street by complete strangers begging him to stay with the club after recent speculation.

Some people have said ‘don’t go’ and I’ve told them I’m happy here. The fans have been very happy with the team this season – and we’ve been very happy with them.

Hangeland admits that Saturday’s trip to Newcastle will be tricky, but thinks that the motivation of a potential European place should ensure that the players are up for the challenge.

It will be hard because Newcastle are still desperate – but we’re playing for a place in Europe and that’s just as big an incentive.

The idea of the Europa League is all a bit new for us – and maybe there would be a bit of disappointment if we don’t get there. But, either way, we’ll look back on this season as a great one.