Hodgson will fight off Hangeland interest

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Gunners boss Arsene Wenger is preparing for a season without Kolo Toure and Philippe Senderos as centre-back options and is known as an admirer of Norway international Hangeland. Hangeland, 28, has been offered a new contract at Fulham and Hodgson insists his player is happy at the club, even if he is braced for interest from other sides.

"As far as we're concerned we want Brede Hangeland to stay with us here," Hodgson said. "We are going to be as desperate as a club can be to hold onto him."

The Cottagers boss added: "In the meantime the speculation will be abounding and we will get on with the job and try not to be too disturbed by them.

"He is happy here at Fulham and not desperately seeking a move elsewhere but we also know there are bigger clubs out there than Fulham and if one comes along we'll have to deal with the situation. Let's hope that is a bridge we don't have to cross."

Hangeland is in the squad for the Europa League clash against FK Vectra, with Fulham leading 3-0 from the first leg against the Lithuanian side. After featuring in that win Hangeland is cup-tied for the Champions League - but Hodgson is not shocked to hear the centre-back being linked with top clubs.

"It's no surprise he has been linked with clubs because really good quality centre-halves are always at a premium," he said.

"When a club like Arsenal - or Manchester City or Liverpool - when they lose a player the attention will always turn towards who the other good centre-backs are in the Premier League and who they could be looking at.

"Arsenal have done their business very quietly and they keep things to themselves. We have had no contact with Arsenal and whether there is an interest only Arsene knows. When I see him interviewed he says he has enough centre-halves and is not in the market for one. Only he knows what his true feelings are."

Hodgson, meanwhile, is closing in on the signing of South Africa midfielder Kagiso "KG" Dikgacoi. The Cottagers have agreed a fee with Golden Arrows and are awaiting a tribunal before Dikgacoi is granted a work permit.