Sought-after Fulham defender extends contract (From Wimbledon Guardian)

Sought-after Fulham defender extends contract

11:14am Friday 27th November 2009

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Highly rated centre-half Brede Hangeland has given Fulham a timely boost by signing a new contract that ties him to the club until 2013.

It ends speculation surrounding the Norwegian's future at Craven Cottage, who has attracted the attention of Arsenal and, more recently, Manchester United with his outstanding performances since arriving at the beginning of 2008.

It caps a good week for Roy Hodgson's men, who defeated Blackburn Rovers 3-0 on Wednesday night to move into the Premier League's top 10.

Hangeland said: “I am delighted to have just signed a new deal and hope that this will now end months of speculation about my future.

"I have always maintained that I am happy at Fulham and committed to doing everything I can to ensure on-going success of the team.

"It is great to see that the club has made great progress since I first joined in January 2008, which has seen the highest ever finish for the team in the club’s 130-year history at the end of last season.”

Hodgson, who is also believed to be close to agreeing a contract extension, was delighted with the news.

"He is an extremely important player for us and a model professional, so we are all very happy that he will be at Fulham for the long term," he said.

"I would also like to thank the chairman for again showing his dedication to the club he has invested so much in, by offering this new deal.

"We have some very important games coming up and this news will give a boost to everyone here, so we will focus on Bolton this weekend, and I know the fans will show their appreciation tomorrow."

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