Transfer Rumour: Southampton slap a price tag of £15m on Manchester United target Jose Fonte
Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho has his sights set on Southampton captain Jose Fonte, as he looks to bolster his defence. Fonte recently revealed that Southampton had told him that he won’t get a contract extension and has only 18 months left on his current deal. But if Mourinho wants his man in January, United will have to match Southampton’s asking price of £15m for the Portuguese centre back.
Amidst recent rumours of Fonte rejecting a new deal at Southampton, the Saints skipper took to Instagram to clarify that he was not offered a new deal.
Just to set the record straight I did NOT reject a new contract, in fact I have been informed by Southampton that they are NOT offering me a new contract. My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game! #wemarchon
This has fuelled speculations of Fonte making a move from St. Mary’s, and Old Trafford seems to be the most likely destination for him. However, Claude Puel would want to earn a good sum for the reliable defender, selling him in January, instead of letting go of him for a reduced price in the summer. Fonte, 32, knows this will be his last chance to take a step to the next level.
Also read: Jose Mourinho may let Morgan Schneiderlin and Memphis Depay leave in January
Everton are also interested in securing his services, but Mourinho remains confident of being united with his fellow country man. Eric Bailly has impressed for Manchester United, but Mourinho has struggled to find a consistent partner for the Ivory Coast international.
Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo have both been played in the role, but Mourinho wants an experienced player to lead and organise the United back line. Fonte’s teammate Virgin van Dijk is another player being looked at by Manchester United, their neighbours City and Chelsea.
United have had some good business with Southampton off late, with the latter earning £52m from the sales of Luke Shaw and Morgan Schneiderlin. Shaw missed out most of last season with injury, but has returned strongly and impressed for United at left back. Schneiderlin, on the other hand, has struggled to find game time, with Mourinho even suggesting that he is free to move in January should clubs be interested.
Southampton started their season slowly, but have now picked up the pace. They find themselves in the semi-final of the EFL Cup, which should they go on to win, will be the first piece of major silverware for the club since 1976. Manchester United, on the other hand, want to bolster their chances of a finish in the top 4 before they prepare for a title charge next season.