Fulham manager Roy Hodgson expects negotiations over a new contract for Brede Hangeland to speed up now the transfer window has closed. The towering centre-back had been linked with a big-money move to Arsenal, while Everton and Liverpool were also reported to be interested in the Norwegian.

Hodgson has stated no bids were received during the summer, paving the way for a new deal. "I believe Hangeland's agent, who has been waiting until the end of the transfer window, is quite keen to sit down with the chief executive to discuss his contract," the former Inter Milan coach said.

Taxing schedule
Hangeland will marshal Fulham's defence in tomorrow's Premier League game with Everton, the first of six games for the club in 22 days. The Cottagers' involvement in the UEFA Europa League has cranked up their workload this season, and Hodgson admits they must learn to adapt.

"We have to come to terms with the fact there will be more travelling and that we get more international players in our squad so they will be away more," he said. "It's an area we have to address and get better at. There's no point in using it as an excuse as we have to do it.

"It was unfortunate that we have been missing key players recently and we felt that against Villa, but then Villa is never an easy place to go. I'm hoping we can balance the Europa League and the Premiership in a way that it won't affect us every time we play a Europa League game.

"We will also have to rotate. We didn't see that much last year as we didn't have many midweek fixtures. Now we have many games coming up in quick succession. I would think it very unlikely the same 11 will play all those games." story by www.fifa.com