Man Utd still hopeful of signing Fonte

Manchester United manager José Mourinho has not given up hope of signing Southampton captain José Fonte before the transfer window closes next week, according to reports.

The Observer reported yesterday that new Manchester United manager José Mourinho is still keen to add another defender to his squad before transfer deadline day, and Portugal international José Fonte is the man he has identified as his primary target, however, Southampton will do all they can to hold onto their star defender.

It is thought that, following the €30 million signing of 22-year-old Ivory coast defender Eric Bailly from Villarreal earlier this summer, Mourinho is keen to add an experienced centre-back to his defensive ranks.

Southampton captain Fonte, 32, is seen as the ideal man for the job. The former Benfica defender signed for the Saints in 2010, and has helped them rise from League One to the Premier League, and even made his international debut for Portugal at the age of 30.

This summer, Fonte demonstrated his pedigree on the international stage, as he helped Portugal secure their first ever major trophy at the European Championships in France, and even started during their victory over the host nation in the final.

Fonte would likely cost United around £10 million, but it is believed that Mourinho may have to clear some players off the wage bill before he can make any more signing.

Phil Jones, Cameron Borthwick-Jackson and Marcos Rojo are all said to be close to securing loan moves away from the club, to Stoke City, Wolverhampton Wanderers and AS Monaco respectively.