Dickson Etuhu has ended speculation over his future by agreeing a three-year contract extension at Fulham.

Etuhu was due to become a free agent at the end of the season but has agreed fresh terms that will keep him at Craven Cottage until 2014. The Nigeria defensive midfielder was reported to be a target for Liverpool, with manager Roy Hodgson considering him as a replacement for Javier Mascherano.

But fears he may depart when the transfer window reopens in January have now receded. A statement issued by Fulham read: "We're delighted to confirm that Dickson Etuhu has signed a contract extension until the summer of 2014."

Etuhu has forged a strong central midfield partnership with Danny Murphy since his £1.5million arrival from Sunderland two years ago.

The duo's form was a key component in Fulham's passage to the Europa League final and the club were eager to keep a player described by former boss Hodgson as their "midfield destroyer".

The 28-year-old opened his account for the new season with a wonderfully-taken late equaliser in last month's 2-2 draw with Blackpool.