Roy Hodgson's insistence that Fulham will battle all the way to keep Brede Hangeland at Craven Cottage has been welcomed by goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer.

While Hodgson claims that no formal bids have been received for Hangeland, valued at £15million, it is understood that Arsenal have the towering defender on a wish-list of replacements for Kolo Toure and, if he goes to Everton, Philippe Senderos.

Speaking ahead of tonight's Europa League third qualifying round tie at home to Lithuanian side FK Vetra - Fulham lead 3-0 from the first leg - Hodgson said: "We are going to be as desperate as a club can be to hold onto him [Hangeland]."

That's good news according to Schwarzer, who recognised the contribution made by the Norwegian international last year.

Schwarzer said: "It wouldn't surprise me that other clubs were showing an interest in Brede, because he's such a good player.

"But we've only got a small squad and you want to keep your best players, and Brede is one of our best players."