Jose Fonte’s move to West Ham United has not quite worked out as well as hoped.
West Ham United reached the fourth round of the FA Cup thanks to an extra-time winner from young defender Reece Burke.
The 21-year-old returned to the London Stadium at the start of January following a successful loan spell at Bolton Wanderers during the first half of the season.
Since returning, Burke has impressed in both games against Shrewsbury Town, which could be enough to persuade manager David Moyes to give him more opportunities.
The Evening Standard report that Bolton want him back but the defender is desperate to stay and fight for a place in West Ham’s back-line.
The goal cannot have been good news for Jose Fonte. The Portuguese defender has been sidelined with a calf injury since the end of October and Burke could push him further down the pecking order.
Fonte has not had a great time at the London Stadium since joining from Southampton a year ago. Inconsistent performances and injuries have seen his form dip. He is now 34, so Moyes may feel it is time to bed in players like Burke, Declan Rice and Reece Oxford.
Fonte’s place in West Ham’s back three has also not been helped by Ryan Cresswell’s move to left centre-back from full back, so it is looking increasingly likely that his days at the London Stadium are numbered.
Fonte will not want to end his career sitting on the sidelines so a move away may be best for all concerned.
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