Transfer Centre

Jose Fonte not interested in talk of Manchester United switch

By Daniel Lewis, Senior Reporter | 09 November 2016

Southampton defender Jose Fonte refuses to be drawn into speculation over his future at St Mary's Stadium, having been strongly linked with a switch to Manchester United.

Jose Fonte has insisted that he is "very proud to be a Southampton player" and is currently unwilling to discuss a move to Manchester United.

The 32-year-old is understood to have been among Red Devils boss Jose Mourinho's top summer targets following an impressive Euro 2016 showing with national side Portugal.

A move failed to materialise in the latter stages of the window, however, and Southampton are said to be planning fresh transfer talks in the coming weeks to keep the centre-back at the club beyond 2018.

Speculation has continued to grow ahead of January that Fonte could still be on his way to Old Trafford, but the Portuguese says that his future is 'now in God's hands'.

"What I saw was in social media. There was a lot of talk about it," he is quoted as saying by The Express when asked about the rumours.

"I'm very proud to be a Southampton player. The future belongs to God. I'm focused on the national team. Questions about clubs and possible transfers are best left to another time."

Fonte, who is expected to start Portugal's World Cup 2018 qualifier with Latvia on Sunday, has made 12 appearances for the Saints this term in all competitions.