Fulham defender Brede Hangeland has ended speculation surrounding his future by putting pen-to-paper on a new long-term contract at Craven Cottage.

The 28-year-old, who was the subject of intense speculation during the summer linking him with a moves to Arsenal and Manchester City, has inked a deal that will keep him with the Cottagers until at least 2013.

The Norway skipper has emerged as one of the Premier League's most highly-rated defenders following his £2.5million switch from FC Copenhagen in January 2008.

Hangeland played an instrumental role in helping the West London outfit to their highest ever league position last season - seventh - and in the process qualifying for the Europa League.

"I am delighted to have just signed a new deal and hope that this will now end months of speculation about my future," Hangeland told the club's official website.

"I have always maintained that I am happy at Fulham and committed to doing everything I can to ensure ongoing success of the team."

Cottagers boss Roy Hodson said: "I am delighted that Brede has been justly rewarded with a new deal and that he has committed his future to Fulham until 2013.

"He is an extremely important player for us and a model professional, so we are all very happy that he will be at Fulham for the long term."