Man Utd prepared to wait until deadline day for Fonte

Manchester United are willing to wait until the final day of the transfer window to sign Southampton captain José Fonte, according to reports.

The Manchester Evening News is reporting that Manchester United are prepared to take their pursuit of Southampton defender José Fonte right down to the line, as they prepare to make a late move for the 32-year-old Portuguese.

It is thought that United manager José Mourinho has identified Fonte as the man to add some vital experience to his defensive ranks, but the former Real Madrid and Inter Milan boss has been told by the Red Devils’ hierarchy that he must first offload players to reduce the wage bill, before he can make any more additions.

The likes of Marcos Rojo, Matteo Darmian and Phil Jones have all been linked with moves away from Old Trafford in recent days, and it may well be the case that one or more of these players will need to be moved on in order for the Fonte deal to become a possibility.

Southampton are reluctant to sell their skipper, but United are confident that they will be able to secure the services of the former Crystal Palace and Benfica centre-back for around £10 million.

It is also being reported that Mourinho is keen on AS Monaco’s Brazilian right-back Fabinho, but as is the case with Fonte, United may need to sell before making a move for the 22-year-old.