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Southampton prepare to replace Man United target Jose Fonte with Liverpool outcast
SOUTHAMPTON reportedly want to sign Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho as a replacement for Jose Fonte, who is close to joining Manchester United.
Jose Fonte - 5 things you need to know
Southampton manager Claude Puel is searching for a centre-back after Fonte, 33, handed in a transfer request.
Express Sport understands Manchester United are keen on landing the Portuguese defender along with Sweden's Victor Lindelof.
And Puel is already working on a replacement in the expectation that Fonte will leave St Mary's.
According to the Daily Mirror, Puel is keen to link up with fellow Frenchman Sakho, who has been exiled from the Liverpool squad.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp has not given the 23-year-old a minute of first-team football this season and is more than willing to sell the centre-back.
According to the report, Galatasaray are also interested in securing a deal for Sakho.
Liverpool defender Sakho (right) could replace Man United-bound Fonte at Southampton
Liverpool defender Mamadou Sakho has not played a minute of first-team football this season
Southampton manager Claude Puel (left) is seeking a replacement should Jose Fonte leave
Were Fonte to secure a move to Old Trafford it would almost certainly mean Virgil van Dijk staying at Saints.
Discussing the January transfer window, Puel said: "If a player will come to Southampton it is a player who can do good work and bring a strong level to the squad.”
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