The Red Devils are thought to be pursuing the Saints centre-back.
Southampton could benefit from Jose Fonte’s proposed to Manchester United.
If United are serious about the Euro 2016 winner – as Arsenal believe them to be, per the London Evening Standard – they will surely get him eventually. This, sadly, is how it works.
Were Fonte not 32, a loyal servant to Southampton, and yet to test himself at the highest level, you could perhaps forgive the Saints for digging their heels, but denying him this opportunity just feels mean.
Fonte’s arrival at Old Trafford would surely signal the end for one or both of Marcos Rojo and Phil Jones, at least in the short-term. Eric Bailly and Daley Blind have impressed at the season’s embryonic stage, while Chris Smalling and Fonte are some competition.
Though Rojo, a reported Saints target in 2014, does not appear keen on the switch to St. Mary’s, at least according to the Daily Mail, Jones may sense an opportunity to rebuild his career on the South Coast.
Still only 24, Jones was once regarded as an England centre-back for years to come, though his once-blossoming career has suffered perhaps more than anyone’s since Sir Alex Ferguson’s retirement.
The former Blackburn defender needs only to look at Ryan Bertrand, whose career had stagnated at Chelsea, for encouragement. Two years after joining the Saints, ironically to replace a United-bound Luke Shaw, the left-back is rated one of the Premier League’s best and is a regular in international squads.
Jones, too, could have his fortunes transformed by Southampton, though Stoke are looking to beat them to it based on Mark Bowen’s comments in the Stoke Sentinel on Monday.
As far as available Fonte replacements are concerned, there are few better than Jones – whether on loan or for good.
Should Southampton fail to take this opportunity, it could be a long eight days on the South Coast.
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