Benitez eyes up one of last season’s top performers.

The Rumour

Fulham’s Norwegian giant seems to be on every manager’s wish list this summer, and that includes Rafael Benitez. With Jamie Carragher not getting any younger and the exit of Sami Hypia, Liverpool could do with strengthening at the back and Hangeland would be the ideal player. Hangeland has stated he has no intention of leaving Fulham but a large bid could be too much to turn down for the Cottagers.

The Source: (The Independent)

The Analysis

That Roy Hodgson and his Fulham side managed to achieve a marvelous UEFA Cup finish last season probably has as much to do with the consistent performances of Brede Hangeland than any other player at the west London club and those displays have courted a lot of praise from the Premier League’s top brass.

Rafa will not be the only top flight manager looking at making a move for the towering US born Norwegian international and if Benitez wants to add another top notch centre back to go with the likes of Carragher, Skrtel and Agger then it will not be an easy signing to secure.

The Likelihood

Hangeland to Liverpool: The Cottagers will struggle to hold on to their centre back and if Benitez makes a suitable offer then he could well be on his way to Anfield.

Get a free £10 bet on Liverpool by joining William Hill now.