One centre back in, one centre back out

Sean Whetstone

7 years ago

Categories: News, Whispers

West Ham are said to be in advanced talks to sign defender Jose Fonte from Southampton, according to Sky Sports.

The Portugal international, who has 18 months remaining on his contract at St Mary’s, expressed his desire to leave Southampton earlier this month. Fonte revealed on social media in December he had not rejected a new deal to stay at Southampton and confirmed he would not be offered fresh terms by the south-coast club.

The 33-year-old has played 286 times for the Saints since joining from Crystal Palace in 2010 however Southampton are claimed to have slapped an unrealistic £12m price tag on him. The Hammers are thought to be willing to pay around £4m for the defender but they will have to complete with Palace and Everton to get their man.

Southampton boss Claude Puel says Jose Fonte is fielding several “opportunities” to leave Southampton in the January transfer window saying “I think he has some opportunities: he studies these opportunities,” said Puel of Fonte. “And for Southampton it’s the same. We will see if Jose leaves Southampton; we will see over the next few days.”

A move for Fonte could allow James Collins, also 33 to leave the club, possibly to join his former colleague James Tomkins at Crystal Palace with Hammers former boss Sam Allardyce.