Jose Fonte firm with decision in leaving Southampton

Football Update: Southampton captain Jose Fonte has made it clear that he intends to leave the club after submitting a transfer request, according to Press Association Sport.
What’s the story?
Transfer rumours have been bubbling around Fonte since last summer when he was linked with a move to Manchester United.

Four weeks ago, the man himself decided to speak out by posting on Instagram that he had not rejected a new deal from Southampton, but rather that the club where he has played for six years had not offered him one.
PA Sport report, though, that the Saints are adamant a 12-month extension was put on the table for the defender, but he has opted not to sign it.

Nevertheless, Fonte, who has 18 months left on his current contract, has reportedly formally told the coastal club that he wants to move on, effectively ending his long association with the Saints.

Where next for Fonte?
The first club that immediately comes to mind is Manchester United, mainly because they were touted as a possible destination last summer.

Moreover, PA Sport claim that the Portuguese Euro 2016 winner asked to leave Southampton at the end of last season when rumours of a switch to Old Trafford were rife.

As it stands, Jose Mourinho only has three central defenders at his disposal due to Eric Bailly’s participation at the Africa Cup of Nations, so if Fonte was to move to United he would likely be thrown into the side.

Everton were also thought to be admirers of the defender last season having reportedly had a £7.6m offer rejected by the Saints.
It remains to be seen whether the Toffees will jump back into the race to sign Fonte given that they bought Ashley Williams from Swansea City last summer.

However, the centre-back’s transfer request is likely to spark a tussle for his signature because clubs could nab him at a cut-price deal.

Category: Football