Crystal Palace to sign ex-Fulham captain

 

Crystal Palace are on the verge of signing former Fulham defender and captain Brede Hangeland with the deal expected to complete this afternoon.

Palace chief Tony Pulis is understood to have won the tug-of-war for the Norwegian against Hull City boss Steve Bruce, with the prospect of staying in London said to be the overriding factor in the player’s decision between the two interested parties.

According to the Daily Mail, Pulis proposes to pair Hangeland with centre-back Scott Dann for the Eagles’ upcoming Premier League run and believes the duo can form a solid defensive partnership.

The 33-year old was released from Craven Cottage at the end of a catastrophic season which saw Fulham relegated from the Premier League to the Championship. He had spent six-and-a-half years with the west London outfit during which time he made 214 appearances.

He was one of a number of players who fleed the ‘sinking ship’ at the end of the season, along with Steve Sidwell, Damien Duff, Giorgos Karagounis, Sasha Riether, John Arne Riise and Derek Boateng.

Shortly after Fulham released him in June, Hangeland’s agent issued a statement to say the defender – who still had a one year left on his contract – had been dismissed by email without having been invited into the offices to discuss his future.

The club denied these claims by releasing a statement in their defence which stated their former captain had been requested to attend meetings with them but refused.

In the days following his departure in June the player spoke out on his sentiments towards Fulham boss Felix Magath.

He claimed to have been left ‘physically and mentally battered’ by the strict German coach, blamed him entirely for the lack of motivation amongst the players and blamed him ultimately for the club’s relegation.