Hughes expects Eidur deal

Gudjohnsen: Close to permanent Fulham deal

Fulham boss Mark Hughes has revealed he is close to sealing a permanent deal for loan star Eidur Gudjohnsen.

Gudjohnsen joined Fulham from Stoke on loan until the end of the season and he has impressed in recent weeks for the Cottagers.

The former Chelsea and Barcelona forward is available on a free transfer in the summer and Hughes is hopeful of agreeing a deal to keep the Icelandic international.

"We're trying to make that happen," admitted Hughes.

"I've been really pleased with what Eidur's brought to us and I know that he's

enjoying his time here.

"Eidur would like to stay, I'm sure, and we would reciprocate that as well.

"We're hopeful it'll get done quite soon."

Dempsey boost

Dempsey, who is Fulham's new record Premier League scorer, missed last weekend's win at Sunderland with a tight hamstring, but he is back in training and should be fit for the visit of Liverpool.

"Clint's trained after the weekend," added Hughes.

"He was a bit stiff in his hamstrings on the Friday prior to the Sunderland game, so there was no point in risking him.

"I took the view to leave him behind and he's benefited from that and he should be okay.

"He's trained today and he'll train right up to the game so he should be an option for us."