West Ham are in advanced talks with Southampton to secure the signing of wantaway captain Jose Fonte, reports The Guardian.
Fonte, 33, has not featured in any of Southampton’s last four matches after handing in a transfer request to leave the club at the start of the month.
The Portugal international has made it clear he wants to leave and has already turned down offers of a contract extension from Southampton, with his current deal due to expire at the end of next season.
Fonte’s availability this month has put a number of clubs on alert, with the likes of Everton, Crystal Palace and West Brom all reportedly battling for his signature.
However, West Ham are trying to get a deal done for the experienced centre-back before their rivals and are currently deep in negotiations with Claude Puel’s side to get a deal over the line.
Southampton’s reported £12m valuation could prove a sticking point in West Ham’s pursuit, particularly given the nature of some of the bids the Hammers have submitted for other targets so far this month.
In the last five Premier League campaigns only two players have completed more interceptions than Fonte (351).
For more stats on Jose Fonte, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
