Manchester United transfer rumour: Red Devils in for Southampton's Jose Fonte
Rumours have emerged that Manchester United have begun informal talks with Southampton's captain, Jose Fonte with an official bid expected this week. United who defeated Bournemouth today are in the market for an experienced defensive leader as reported by both Telegraph and ESPN.
Fonte seems to be the realistic option available for Mourinho as not many days are left in the transfer market. His asking price too won't be much of an issue as his value is set to be around £8 million.
Fonte, 32, has been a solid figure over the years and has emerged as a reliable defender for club and country. The defender played a crucial part in Portugal's triumph at the Euros last month and Mourinho is said to be keen to sign the Portuguese in this week.
Also, with Eric Bailly going to the African Cup of Nations in January playing for Ivory Coast, United need a defender who can partner Blind or Smalling. Mourinho is conscious of this fact that he will lose his talented defender for a month, so a deal for Fonte makes sense.
But, Southampton manager Claude Puel seems confident that the club will be able to keep the defender at St. Mary's for this season. He said, "I do not think there is a possibility for Jose to leave us. I am sure that he can play all these games, he is very proficient.
“When I see him on the pitch he is interesting, very professional and he has a good attitude.” Jose Fonte joined the squad last week and was an unused sub against their 1-1 draw with Watford yesterday.
United were rumoured to be courting a lot of centre-backs this summer, starting with Raphael Varane who had worked with Mourinho at Real Madrid but the Frenchman declined the offer to reunite with his former manager.
Leonardo Bonucci was also targeted but he decided to stay in Turin and is going to sign a new lucrative deal to play for the Italian Champions, Juventus in the foreseeable future.
Manchester United started a new era under Jose Mourinho on Sunday which has made all the supporters excited for a return to the top of the pile come May. They have taken huge strides in the form of Paul Pogba and Zlatan Ibrahimovic as Mourinho had turned the red devils into a team of galacticos this summer.
Also, at least one or two more players are set to be offloaded to join the just departed duo of Paddy McNair and Donald Love who were sold to Sunderland.