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Manchester United transfer boost: Southampton agree to let star man leave in January
SOUTHAMPTON have reached an agreement with Jose Fonte allowing him to leave in January, according to reports.
Jose Fonte - 5 things you need to know
Fonte has been locked in contract talks with Southampton and has reportedly failed to agree a new deal with the club.
Manchester United are said to be frontrunners to sign the 32-year-old as Jose Mourinho looks to shore up his defence in January.
And according to Portuguese newspaper MaisFutebol, Saints have made a 'pact' with the defender allowing him to leave the club next month.
Jose Fonte has reportedly been told he can leave Southampton in January
Jose Fonte has been linked with a move to Manchester United
Saints have reportedly assured Fonte they will not stand in his way should he wish to leave in January.
Fonte was said to have been denied a move in the summer, and his unwillingness to sign a new deal has prompted Southampton to agree to let him go.
He is under contract at St Mary's until June 2018 meaning Claude Puel's side will need to cash in on the centre-back sooner rather than later.
The report says Southampton are hoping to get a fee of between £5million and £7m for the experienced defender.
Jose Fonte has been a rock at the back for Southampton since signing from Crystal Palace in 2010
Fonte joined Saints in 2010 from Crystal Palace and he has since gone on to become club captain, making over 280 appearances.
He was also part of Fernando Santos' Euro 2016-winning Portugal side this summer.
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