Dave Kidd in the People says that Fulham are set to open contract talks with Brede Hangeland in order to prolong the Norwegian defender’s stay at Craven Cottage.
Fulham are keen to retain the services of their 6ft 4in centre back and hope to head off interest from their Premier League rivals by agreeing a new deal for the 30 year-old ahead of the January window. By doing so, Fulham are making an exception to their current contract policy as Martin Jol is keen to let his experienced players earn new deals by keeping them ‘hungry’.
Kidd alludes to interest from Arsenal, who signed Per Mertesacker to shore up their leaky defence on the final day of the summer transfer window. Hangeland’s current Fulham contract runs until 2013.