Fonte has been linked with a move to both Manchester United and Arsenal but the Saints seem confident of keeping hold of their captain.
Manchester United’s Zlatan Ibrahimovic in action with Southampton’s Jose Fonte
Southampton remain adamant that their captain Jose Fonte will remain at the club despite reported interest from Manchester United and Arsenal, according to a report in the Daily Echo.
The Saints are said to have offered the 32-year-old a new contract and have negotiated a pay rise described as ‘significant’ which the player is said to be happy with – with a contract now on the table waiting to be signed.
Manchester United’s Paul Pogba in action with Southampton’s Jose Fonte and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg
If the Portugal international doesn’t sign the new deal then the club will keep hold of him until the end of his current deal which expires in the summer of 2018.
The report also states that is unclear as to whether the contract offer could be withdrawn if the player decides to wait things out until the end of the transfer window.
Nevertheless, it does show Southampton’s determination to keep hold of one of their most valuable players. If they were to let him go then there would be very little time for them to find an adequate replacement. Though not impossible it could prove very difficult.
Manchester United’s Anthony Martial in action with Southampton’s Jose Fonte
Southampton have yet to receive an offer for the player from Manchester United, according to the Daily Echo’s report, while Arsenal’s interest in the player has been reported by the Mirror earlier this month.
Both clubs could have plenty to offer in terms of money and potential to play Champions League football – if not this season in the case of Manchester United then more than likely next term. But there does seem to be something of a confidence at St Mary’s that Fonte will remain put.
Southampton’s Jose Fonte in action with Manchester United’s Eric Bailly and Marouane Fellaini
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