Crystal Palace sign free agent Brede Hangeland

Crystal Palace, 12/5 with Coral to be relegated from the Premier League, have landed former Fulham centre back Brede Hangeland on a one-year deal.

Norway international Hangeland, 33, was released from the Eagles’ cross-London rivals by manager Felix Magath following their relegation from the Premier League. He now bolstered Tony Pulis’ defence after Danny Gabbidon was released and Jack Hunt loaned to Championship club Nottingham Forest.

Hangeland will compete with Scott Dann, Damien Delaney and Adrian Mariappa for a central defensive berth at Selhurst Park. He spent six years across the capital at Fulham and played in the Europa League final under Roy Hodgson.

“All the things I’ve heard about this club – the manager, players, staff – it’s all been good and I’ve seen that for myself,” Hangeland told Palace’s official site. He has played over 200 Premier League games, so will add substantial experience to the Eagles backline.

“I’m quite old school as a player, I just want to be part of a good group of players, working for a good manager, working really hard and driving something in the right direction,” Hangeland added.

“All the people I spoke to told me that’s what’s going on at Crystal Palace and I really wanted to be a part of that.

“It’s a traditional club with a big following. I thought the atmosphere here was fantastic and obviously the fans had a lot to be happy about come the end of the season.

“If we can do something similar to that this season, that would be great. I’m really looking forward to playing in front of those fans as soon as possible.”

With 91 caps for Norway, Hangeland is his country’s fifth most-capped player of all-time and skippers the Scandinavian side. Palace, who finished comfortably in mid-table avoiding relegation for the first time in the Premier League era last term, are 9/2 for a top 10 finish.