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Manchester United handed transfer boost: Southampton star drops huge hint on Instagram
MANCHESTER UNITED have been handed a major boost in their bid to sign Southampton skipper Jose Fonte.
Jose Fonte - 5 things you need to know
Manchester United were linked with a move for the Southampton defender in the summer.
However, a deal failed to materialise with Jose Mourinho instead swooping for Villarreal defender Eric Bailly.
United will lose Bailly for a month when the African Cup of Nations kicks off next month - leading to speculation Fonte could move to Old Trafford.
And Fonte has admitted his time at Southampton appears to be drawing to a close with his contract up at the end of the season.
Jose Fonte has been told he will not be offered a new deal at Southampton
Manchester United will lose Eric Bailly to the African Cup of Nations
The 33-year-old took to social media site Instagram to reveal that he has been told by Southampton they will not be offering him a new deal.
"Just to set the record straight I did NOT reject a new contract, in fact I have been informed by Southampton that they are NOT offering me a new contract," he wrote.
"My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game!"
Manchester United are also monitoring Virgil van Dijk
United have used the January transfer window sparingly in recent seasons.
Juan Mata was the last big-name arrival, touching down from Chelsea for £37million in 2014.
Fonte is not the only Saints defender being backed to make a move to Old Trafford.
United are also reportedly tussling with Liverpool for Holland international Virgil van Dijk.
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