Redknapp sets sights on Hangeland

QPR are plotting a January move for Fulham defender Brede Hangeland. The Daily Express report that Harry Redknapp is, unsurprisingly, desperate to shore up his leaky defence and has identified the Norwegian as the man to do this.

Hangeland has impressed for the Cottagers since arriving in 2008, playing in over 200 games and being made captain. The big centre-back was even his sides second top scorer last season and has chipped in with a few crucial goals over the years.

Goalscoring ability isn’t what Redknapp will have his eye on though; the league’s bottom club have conceded 33 goals in 19 games and with such an unreliable defence look destined for the drop.

Hangeland would be an excellent addition to their back line, bringing calmness and passing ability, something one doesn’t always associate with Ryan Nelsen or Clint Hill, as well as a towering defensive presence. The issue with his transfer is that it would be yet another 30 plus player on the books whose best playing days are very probably behind him and will preseumably command sky-high wages. It is yet another example of QPR planning for the short term, relying on surviving relegation to keep their expensive squad together and bringing in players who will need to be replaced before too long.

You might also be thinking, why would Hangeland want to leave the club he captains, who sit in mid table without too much threat of relegation who have established themselves well as a premier league side? The answer is apparently a contract dispute between the club and player which dates back to last April. Hangeland’s current deal runs out in the summer and he won’t be too keen to find himself without a club for next season.

Jack Johnson

Follow @jack_johnson__