Hangeland’s contract boost for Fulham

Brede Hangeland has offered the clearest indication yet that he is ready to commit his future to Fulham.

The captain is set to return against Newcastle tonight following a three-match ban.

The towering Norway defender’s deal expires in the summer but he said: “I have enjoyed all my time with Fulham and there is no reason why that shouldn’t continue.

“It is very exciting to be part of this club and to see how far they have come in the last five years has been incredible.

“We are now trying to play a type of football that is quite different to what we did when I first arrived. And when it works, it is a pleasure to be part of.”

Boss Martin Jol confirmed Fulham have offered Hangeland “a good contract”. But he added: “If Brede says no, we will have to negotiate.”

Standard Sport told Hangeland he has played in 171 of a possible 182 League games and of the 11 League games he has missed, Fulham won only one, drew three and lost seven.

The 31-year-old may now make his value in that regard known, saying: “If I was a club, I would try to employ players who play all the games. That must be an asset.”