Manchester United have been given fresh hope in their pursuit of Southampton Jose Fonte with the skipper free to leave in January, reports The Daily Record.
Fonte, 32, was heavily linked with a move to United in the summer as Jose Mourinho looked to add experience to his defence but failed in a bid to land his fellow compatriot.
The Portugal international was reportedly angry that Southampton blocked a £9m move to Everton in July, while their failure to fulfil a pre-Euros promise to improve his salary has also diminished their relationship.
Fonte’s existing deal is due to expire in 2018 and Southampton are now ready to cash in on their captain, with United expected to step up their interest in a bid to cover for Eric Bailly, who will leave for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Ivory Coast in January.
In the last five Premier League campaigns only Ashley Williams (1479) and Phil Jagielka (1123) have made more clearances than Fonte (1039).
For more stats on Jose Fonte, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
