Fulham chairman Mohamed Al Fayed has told manager Roy Hodgson to spend rather than sell as he goes for success in the Europa League.
They are digging in their heels on Brede Hangeland, the defender for whom Arsenal are planning an £8million bid.
Fulham will not sell for less than £15m and would be reluctant to do even that with the start of the season just three days away and no time to bring in a replacement.
They have offered Norwegian international Hangeland a new contract, which he has been reluctant to sign. However, it would increase his wages from about £25,000 a week to nearer £40,000, making him one of the club’s top-paid players.
Al Fayed has told Hodgson, who led the team to seventh place in the Premier League last season, that he would rather see players coming in than leaving.
A source close to Fulham supremo Al Fayed said: “The chairman has told the manager that he would rather see players being signed. He wants to build on what has been achieved.”
Hodgson has so far brought in only defender Stephen Kelly, on a free from Birmingham, and Norwegian midfielder Bjorn Helge Riise in a £2.5m deal from Lillestrom.
Fulham’s next step on their Europa League trail sees them entertain Russians Amkar Perm a week today.
