Cottage boss' defensive deal bid

Martin Jol has confirmed that he is looking to start contract talks with Brede Hangeland about a long-term deal at Fulham.

The Cottagers chief has already been boosted by the decision of Aaron Hughes to pledge his future to the Londoners and is hoping Hangeland will follow his defensive partner's lead and commit too. The Norwegian central defender is currently inside the final 12 months of his current contract at Craven Cottage and admitted during the close-season that he was in no rush to put pen-to-paper. But Jol feels the time is approaching when negotiations need to begin. He told the Chronicle: "That will take a bit longer because we don't talk to him every day but there will be another appointment as we try to keep him here for the long-term. "If that is not possible then we will try to keep him for the next two years."