Manchester United are reportedly prepared to offer defender Marcos Rojo as a sweetener in the deal to sign Southampton’s Jose Fonte.
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A busy summer with France, who reached the Euro 2016 final, was followed by an extended vacation in the United States and his move back to Manchester, four years after leaving United as a 19-year-old.
It is believed he has been reminded that while there are no available places in the first-team squad this season, that will not always be the case.
The Red Devils discussed the possibility of signing Leonardo Bonucci, 29, during negotiations over 23 year-old midfielder Paul Pogba’s record breaking transfer but Juventus made it clear he was not for sale.
“But he is a very good professional and he has played well in training sessions this week and it is important to have Jose with us, I hope, for the United game”.
“There is no problem with Jose, it is just unusual that this rumour comes just before the game at United”, Puel said Wednesday. “But Jose is our captain and I’m sure he will be completely ready for this game”. During his time at St Mary’s he matured into one of the Premier League’s most reliable defenders and came to worldwide prominence, making his Portugal debut against Argentina in 2014, ironically at Old Trafford.
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The Southampton centre-back helped Portugal to win the European Championship this summer and has been a consistent performer for the Saints in recent seasons.
