Fulham boss Roy Hodgson says Brede Hangeland deserves all the summer transfer speculation that has swirled around him.

"It has been an incredible summer of mass media speculation, which I'm quite pleased about - because Brede deserves it," said Hodgson.

"But the simple truth is not once has a club rung me or (Fulham chief executive) Alistair (Mackintosh) and asked about Brede and what price we'd need to sell him.

"I'm a little bit surprised that we haven't had any clubs knocking on the door saying we want to buy him from you, but I'm obviously not regretting it.

"We have had to accept that, because he is anxious to get a new contract at this club, his agent has been quite active at marketing him."

Hangeland is expected to line up against Aston Villa on Sunday as Fulham look to bounce back from last week's defeat to Chelsea.

With the transfer window shutting on Tuesday afternoon, it would be Hangeland's last game in a Fulham shirt if he leaves. But Hodgson hopes the £2.5million signing chooses to stay.

"I suppose there's two or three days left, and it still might happen. But I think that it's great if he stays here," he added.

"He has been fantastic for us. I think he is a very good footballer."