FULHAM have opened talks with defender  Stephen Kelly over a new deal at Craven Cottage.

The Irish international has made 33 appearances for the Whites this season but his contract is due to expire next month.

However, boss Martin Jol is hopeful of keeping the full-back in SW6.

He said: “We want to keep him and he wants to stay here. I always miss him when he's not there.

“It's only a matter of a longer-term or a one-year [deal]. We are tending to think to keep Stephen for more than one year.”

Jol revealed Fulham are still locked in negotiations with skipper Danny Murphy and striker Andy Johnson, who are also out of contract in the summer.

Murphy has been linked with a coaching role at west London rivals QPR, while Johnson is expected to quit the Cottage for pastures new.

However, Jol has not given up hope of keeping the duo at the club.

He added: “We are talking to Danny and have already spoken to Andy. They are free agents but I feel we want to keep the players who did well.”

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