Ronald Koeman reportedly wants to bring Jose Fonte to Everton.
Frank Lampard in action with Southampton’s Jose Fonte
According to The Sun, Everton have lodged a £9m move for Southampton defender Jose Fonte – but the Mirror claim that the Saints have offered him a new contract.
The Toffees have made just one major summer signing, as goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg joined from Fulham to give Koeman another option between the sticks.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
Stekelenburg worked with Koeman at Southampton last season, and another player could follow the Dutchman to Goodison Park if Koeman gets his way.
The Sun report that Everton have launched a £9m bid to sign Southampton centre back Jose Fonte, who was a key player for Koeman at St. Mary’s Stadium.
Jose Fonte celebrates after scoring for Southampton
Fonte, 32, signed from Crystal Palace back in 2010, and has now racked up more than 250 appearances for Southampton, playing in League One, the Championship and the Premier League for the Saints.
Now Saints captain, Fonte has become one of the Premier League’s top defenders, and it would be no surprise to see Koeman look for a Merseyside reunion with the centre back, who starred for Portugal at this summer’s European Championships.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman
However, it may not be easy for Koeman to raid his former club, as The Mirror report that Southampton have offered Fonte a new contract with a wage increase.
Having been with the club for more than six years, and seen a number of players move on to Premier League rivals, Fonte may well value his loyalty to the club over a move to Everton – and regardless, the Saints are unlikely to accept £9m for their captain and star defender, with the Toffees no doubt just testing the water right now.
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