Claude Puel coy over Jose Fonte contract talks

Southampton manager Claude Puel has refused to discuss speculation over defender Jose Fonte's contract at the club.

Fonte took to Instagram earlier this week to refute claims that he had turned down a new deal at St Mary's, instead insisting that the club had decided against offering him fresh terms.

However, Puel was keen to keep the focus on his side's Europa League clash with Hapoel Be'er Sheva on Thursday night as they look to seal their place in the last 32.

"It's a situation and discussion between the player and the club. I cannot give a comment about this," he told reporters.

"When I see this on newspaper I repeat the most important thing for me is to speak about the team and about the game tomorrow and not just this personal situation, an individual situation.

"It's important always for me to respect the collective. The subject for me is to discuss and to speak about the game, an important game, and about the collective and the team."

Fonte, who has 18 months remaining on his contract, is closing in on 300 appearances for the club since joining from Crystal Palace in January 2010.