The 29-year-old is tied to the club until the end of next season but is after an improved deal, believing that he was instrumental in Fulham's Barclays Premier League survival last term.

Bullard has been in strong form again this campaign, prompting a call-up to the England squad, and scored the Cottagers' only goal of their last four games, in the 1-1 draw with Manchester City a fortnight ago.

Hodgson maintains that he wants the former Wigan man to stay in January, but beyond that is uncertain.

"We're still waiting to see what happens because he's got his own ambitions," said Hodgson ahead of tomorrow's clash with Middlesbrough. "I'm not party to discussions.

"I think he is concerned the club can't match his wage demands and where he sees himself at a very high level and it is not certain that Fulham will be the club to match them.

"He has not been told he can leave in January, that's not true.

"We're not trying to get rid of Jimmy Bullard. But Jimmy Bullard is trying to get a contract which suits him.

"He's not sure we can provide that contract which suits him and as a result we have to be realistic and there might be clubs out there who can offer him that and who can match the transfer fee that we think he's worth. If it happens, it happens."

Another player to irk Hodgson of late was right-back John Pantsil, who reacted theatrically after squaring up to Stoke's Ricardo Fuller last weekend.

Pantsil's delayed dive in an attempt to get Fuller sent off for headbutting was not acceptable according to Hodgson, who said: "I didn't like it. We have spoken about it and he knows how I feel.

"I think he regrets the situation although he was the one who was knocked over. I didn't like the fact that he over-reacted to the push and I have told him so.

"He accepted the criticism that I gave him that it was not what I expected him or any other Fulham player to do."

One goal and three goalless draw in the last four league games does not make for exciting reading but Hodgson is not worried and chooses to look at that run as four games unbeaten rather than anything negative.

"I think in the games we've played our game has been quite good generally," he continued.

"It hasn't been based purely on defence but luckily it's the defensive side which has given us the points so far.

"Yes, we want to win games like all teams. To do well attacking-wise you've got to make certain you're tight defensively and you're able to win the ball back."

Goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer faces his old club at Craven Cottage, and Hodgson sees no reason why the 36-year-old cannot continue for several more seasons.

"He's been a remarkable signing in terms of his ability, his presence, his enthusiasm," he said.

"I think Mark's been well protected by the whole team in front of him but when he's been called upon he's done a great job.

"The great goalkeepers - the Jennings, the Shiltons - they went into their 40s. The game demands so much of players and it can't be easy having every year the stress of performing at the highest level and the physical pressures of the game.

"But he keeps himself in remarkably good condition and if he can keep his body fit I'm sure he can go on for a long time. He's showing no signs of relenting."