West Ham Closing In Talks On Jose Fonte

 

West Ham are in advanced talks to sign defender Jose Fonte from Southampton. 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 33years old, who helped Portugal win Euro 2016 last summer, has played 286 times for the Saints since joining from Crystal Palace in 2010.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is looking to bolster his defensive ranks this month, with Winston Reid, James Collins and Angelo Ogbonna currently his only recognised senior central defenders.