Man United favourites to sign Fonte after Saints skipper hands in request

There’s been so much talk about a potential transfer for Virgil van Dijk this month that almost everyone has forgotten about the other half of Southampton’s great central-defensive partnership – Jose Fonte.

And Saints fans might want to look away now, because the Portugal international has this afternoon handed in a transfer request.

Having been heavily linked with a switchto Manchester United in the summer, a move never materialised.

Since then, Fonte has played a key role in Claude Puel’s back-four, while Van Dijk has taken much of the credit.

It’s no surprise to see the Red Devils priced up as favourites for the Euro 2016 winner’s signature at 5/4.

While Jose Mourinho seems to have found his best partnership in Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo, he could certainly do with an experienced head at Old Trafford to provide stiff competition for that pair.

But should United opt against buying the 33-year-old, who is thought to be worth around £12m, then a move to their rivals across the city could well be on the cards.

Despite bringing Swansea City’s Ashley Williams to Goodison Park back in the summer, Everton boss Ronald Koeman is also reportedly keen on reuniting with his old captain.

While he’s hardly a player for the future, Koeman will be more concerned about the here and now. And signing Fonte would almost certainly go some way towards tightening up a defensive unit which has already shipped 23 goals this season.

It’s 4/1 for the former Crystal Palace man to move to the blue half of Merseyside.

Meanwhile, our traders aren’t ruling out a potential move to Liverpool, where Fonte would team up with Dejan Lovren once again.

We’re offering 9/4 for the centre-half to become the sixth Saints player to make the switch to Anfield since 2014.

But what do fans think to the latest news? Will Fonte be plying his trade for one of the Premier League’s elite clubs come February, or can the Saints keep hold of him until the end of the season?

Have your say in the comments section below!

Ladbrokes Latest Betting

Jose Fonte Club After January Transfer Window

Man United – 5/4

Liverpool – 9/4

Everton – 4/1

Man City – 9/2

Arsenal – 8/1

Crystal Palace – 16/1

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing