The 29-year-old has two years of his current deal to run and new chief executive Alistair Macintosh has declined to open talks with the player and his representative.

Fulham travel to Hull tomorrow and Bullard is likely to be in the starting line-up despite a host of new arrivals at Craven Cottage during the summer.

And that is because Hodgson is convinced the former Wigan man is not as troubled by his contractual situation as some have suggested.

He said: "I see Jimmy in training every day and I see him working very hard at his game. I see him very focused and committed to the team so these things don't really tie up.

"I haven't had any conversations with him since Alistair Macintosh made it clear that we don't want to be discussing at the moment new contracts for players who have at least two years left on their current ones.

"We would rather concentrate on improving our squad and seeing how that improvement pans out. Then maybe as the contracts go further into their term there will be time for readjustment.

"I don't really understand the arguments because if people are trying to suggest Jimmy Bullard is unhappy then that is not the case.

"He is getting on with his work professionally. He perhaps didn't get what he wanted to make him the happiest person but I'm sure he fully understands the situation."

Bullard has been linked with Everton but although Hodgson was not ruling out a sale he gave no indication he expected one to take place soon.

He said: "He is not a player we would want to lose at all but we have to be realistic about things.

"We will try to hang on to our players as best we can but there are bigger and stronger and much richer clubs than us around and I can't give full guarantees that no player will move that I want to keep.

"If clubs come calling and put ideas into players' heads then you have to deal with it but luckily I am not in that situation."

Bullard indicated he was looking forward to nothing but enjoying a successful season at Fulham.

He said: "I have spoken to the club and they have told me they won't give me an extended contract so that gives me no option but to get my head down and play for Fulham.

"I have got two years here and I love the lifestyle here and playing for Fulham. And let's get one thing straight, I have always wanted to sign for Fulham.

"Hopefully the time will come when the club will extend my contract but at the moment I'm happy to be here."

Striker Andrew Johnson will have to wait for a debut following his £10.5million switch from Everton as he is still struggling with a thigh problem.

Bobby Zamora, who moved from West Ham in a £6.3million package that also included defender John Pantsil, will start up front at the KC Stadium.