Fulham hoping to tie up new Hughes deal

The Fulham Chronicle are reporting that Fulham have opened talks with Aaron Hughes over the possibility of signing a new deal with the club.

The defender's current contract comes to an end in June 2013, meaning clubs can start pursuing his signature in barely a few months time. Manager, Martin Jol, however, is keen to keep ahold of his Northern Irish stalwart.

At moments last season it seemed as though Hughes had fallen out of favour in the eyes of his manager who, instead, preferred a combination of Philippe Senderos and Brede Hangeland . It is thought that many of Jol's concerns, though, related to the fitness of Hughes, who has formed a formidable partnership with Hangeland since the Norwegian joined in January 2008.

Since those concerns, the 32 year-old has proven his worth to the team and is now considered by Jol as a definite first team member.