Fulham are set to re-open talks with Jimmy Bullard about a new contract in January.

The fans' favourite has wanted a new deal to add to his current contract which is due run out in 2010 - but until now his overtures have fallen flat.

However, it seems his entreaties to stay longer at Craven Cottage have finally paid off, and he and his representatives will sit down to discuss an extension during the transfer window.

Although Bullard missed out on a second England call-up this week, the player was in no doubt what he wanted from the future.

He said: "I love Fulham to bits, and I want a new contract.

"And although we spoke before nothing seems to be happening right now. But the club have said they will speak about it again in January and that's good news.

"You're right when you say a player would like to have his long-term future sewn up, and that's no different for me."

The midfielder, who has reportedly attracted the attention of Everton and Saturday's visitors Sunderland, was in two minds over his absence from the England set-up this week following his surprise inclusion last time around.

He said: " 'Disappointed' might be a bit strong. It was a shock last time - but yeah, I wanted to be there again.

"You get a letter the week before telling you you're in contention.

"But then you have to get a phone call around 7.45pm on the Monday before the games telling you you're in.

"The phone didn't ring for me this time - so maybe in the future."

To catch the attention of England boss Fabio Capello again, there's the not-so-little matter of reviving a flagging Fulham that's lost three Premiership matches on the bounce, with the first opportunity against Roy Keane's team on Saturday.

Bullard believes Fulham have been playing well but not getting the rub of the green, and certainly better than their 3-1 home defeat to the Black Cats in April last season.

He said: "It's a different squad since then, but Sunderland are a tough team.

"We know we're expected to beat teams like them and not get anything against the so-called top four.

"But we beat Arsenal, and lost to the likes of West Ham and West Brom.

"That's both the trouble and the joy of this league - there's an awful much-of-a-muchness, and it really does come down to who performs on the day, and we have to do something to make sure it's us."

It will also be an historic occasion on Saturday when a statue of Fulham's greatest player, Johnny Haynes, will be unveiled before the game at 12.45pm.