Fulham have moved to tie down highly-rated midfielder Wayne Brown to a new contract which will keep him at the club until summer 2010.

The youngster has broken into the Cottagers' reserves side this season and impressed coaches at the club.

As a result, Roy Hodgson included him in the starting line-up in the recent FA Cup third round tie against Bristol Rovers, which Fulham eventually lost on penalties after a replay.

The youngster is said to be in-demand but Fulham are keen to ward off potential poachers by offering Brown a new deal to remain at the club until 2010.

"He's a high energy player who gets about the pitch very well - either off the right or through the middle," reserve teach coach Billy McKinlay told Fulham's official website. "He makes really good runs in behind the strikers and is always in and around the box. By and large, in every game, he's always getting three or four attempts on goal.

He had a couple of efforts against Bristol Rovers, which is what he's about. He sees a nice pass and is efficient with his work. His main asset is the goal threat he carries from the middle of the pitch, he gets up and supports the front two well and he's got an eye for a goal. In and around the box, you would back him to hit that target more often than not."