Roy Hodgson says Fulham have not recieved an approach from Arsenal for defender Brede Hangeland.
Fulham boss insists club have not been approached by Arsenal
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson has insisisted the club have not recieved an approach from Arsenal for defender Brede Hangeland.
Hangeland, who joined the Cottagers from FC Copenhagen earlier this year, has demonstrated impressive form of late.
Reports have suggested the Gunners could bid for the centre-back in the January transfer window as boss Arsene Wenger looks to bolster his backline.
Hodgson, though, has denied the speculation while expressing his hope that the 27-year-old would resist any potential interest.
"We have had absolutely no indication that Arsenal or any other club of that stature have had any interest in Brede Hangeland," said Hodgson.
Fabrication
"I sometimes wonder if these stories are educated guesses from people looking and seeing that William Gallas has had a fall-out with the other players, thinking Arsenal will want to get another centre-half, looking at what centre-halves are available and linking them with Arsenal Football Club.
"If a serious offer comes our way for Brede, I'm pretty sure it'll have to be considered but I would hope - and this might be a naive hope - that we could still keep him because he's got a long-term contract with us here.
"I know he's happy with us here and I know he's happy with his football. And it'd be nice to think that we could keep him with us.
"But, in the meantime, it's not something that affects our thinking in any way and hopefully it hasn't affected his either because I don't know what he reads into that type of speculation."
Cook move
Meanwhile, Hodgson has confirmed midfielder Lee Cook is set to sign a permanent contract with QPR, where he is currently on loan, for an undisclosed fee.
The 26-year-old joined the Cottagers from QPR in 2007 but was loaned back to the club at the beginning of this season.
"Lee, as far as I understand, has been transferred permanently to QPR," said Hodgson.
