That said, ESPN report that Fonte would prefer a move to Manchester United, presumably because the mood at the club isn’t now best represented by a video of a man kicking himself in the face.
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The Portuguese worldwide has been an ever-present figure at the club throughout their rise back up through the leagues to England’s top table, and he is now set to form a key part of the south coast club’s defence as they venture into Europe for only the eighth time in their history.
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.
New boss Jose Mourinho made Eric Bailly one of his big summer signings, recruiting the African from Villareal, but according to the Manchester Eveneing News, the Red Devils are also keen on Southampton’s Portuguese stopper Jose Fonte. Moving would invariably mean taking a pay cut unless United make up the shortfall or even fund the majority of their wages.
The Portuguese worldwide is now a reliable top flight centre-back and has transferred his excellent form to the global stage where he put in some outstanding displays to help Portugal win the Euro’s this summer.
The report also claims that Arsenal have made contact with Fonte, and could be set to rival United’s interest in the Portugal worldwide.
Former Arsenal and Liverpool men Paul Mariner and Steve Nicol debate Wenger’s personnel decisions in the loss on Sunday.
The Gunners are in desperate need of a new central defender after Per Mertesacker and Gabriel Paulista both suffered long-term injuries in pre-season.
Meanwhile, Southampton settled to a 1-1 draw with Watford at their home field of St. Mary’s Stadium last Saturday, SkySports reported. This is where Fonte could be a brilliant addition along with his years of Premier League experience.
In addition, Arsenal are reportedly also after the defender, who partnered Real Madrid’s Pepe during Portugal’s European Championship winning campaign.
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“I will not deny that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that it makes me happy to be associated with it, but to be Manchester United’s player is a big difference”.
