Jose Mourinho could bolster his defensive options with the signing of Southampton defender Jose Fonte.
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Also, with Eric Bailly going to the African Cup of Nations in January playing for Ivory Coast, United need a defender who can partner Blind or Smalling.
ESPN add that Southampton will not stand in Fonte’s way if United make a bid, which is expected to be around £8m.
Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho said midfielder Juan Mata, 28, had a future at the club after scoring in their Premier League opener against Bournemouth.(Sky Sports).
Fonte has been a steady presence in defence with Southampton and was particularly dependable in Portugal’s victorious Euro 2016 campaign, and sources say Mourinho is now willing to sanction a move.
Southampton have no intention of selling defender Jose Fonte, despite the Portugal worldwide being continually linked with a move to Manchester United. We’ve faced each other many times, he knows me well.
“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”.
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“When I see him on the pitch he is interesting, very professional and he has a good attitude”.
