Hodgson’s eyes on Euro cash

Fulham’s hopes of qualifying for the Europa League took a knock on Saturday when they were beaten 3-1 at Chelsea.

But if they can beat Aston Villa, who have already qualified, at home next Saturday and pick up points in their final two games at struggling Newcastle and at home to Everton, they have every chance of making seventh place and clinching the final Europa League spot.

If that happens, Hodgson will pick up a bonus package worth about £750,000 for both league position and European qualification.

Fulham are already considering handing him a new, improved deal but this bonus will kick in anyway at the end of this season if he is successful.

Hodgson has already dismissed rumours that Fulham do not want European football next year because it would mean having to splash out money on a bigger squad.

He said: “Of course we want it. We’d have to sit down in the summer and see what we would have to do and make the plans, but it is there for us.”