Southampton’s director of football Les Reed has revealed captain Jose Fonte has handed in a transfer request in a bid to force a move away from the club this month.
The 33-year-old has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United since the end of the summer and is determined to get his shot at a big club before the end of his career.
Fonte has 18 months remaining on his current deal and has rejected contract offers from Southampton to renew his contract with the club.
“He’s had several opportunities to improve the contract situation. He’s reserved his right not to do that,” Reed told BBC Radio Solent.
“He’s made it very clear he would like to explore the opportunities for a transfer. That’s where we are at the moment. Jose wants to leave the club. He’s formally asked for a transfer.”
Fonte has established himself as one of the best defenders in the Premier League in recent years and has been a pillar of consistency for the club during the last few years when they have lost their best players to the biggest teams in the division.
In the last four Premier League campaigns on Ashley Williams (419) and Laurent Koscielny (401) have completed more interceptions than Fonte (351).
For more stats on Jose Fonte, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
