Claude Puel: 'Very important to keep Jose Fonte'

Jose Fonte of Southampton in action during the Barclays Premier League match between Watford and Southampton at Vicarage Road on August 23, 2015 in Watford, United Kingdom.
© Getty Images
Southampton manager Claude Puel insists that captain Jose Fonte is happy at the club amid reported interest from Manchester United.

Southampton manager Claude Puel has talked up the importance of keeping captain Jose Fonte at the club this summer.

The 32-year-old has been regularly linked with a move away from the Saints in recent transfer windows, and his performances for Portugal at Euro 2016 are understood to have increased interest in him.

Manchester United are thought to be leading the race for the centre-back's signature, but Puel insists that Fonte is happy at St Mary's.

"Jose Fonte is an important player for the team and for the fans. They like Jose, they like his personality," he told reporters.

"For me it's very important to keep Jose Fonte. He had a good discussion with the director and chairman and all is okay. It was important to listen to Jose to understand his position."

Recent reports have suggested that United boss Jose Mourinho will wait until deadline day to launch one final bid for Fonte.

Jose Fonte reveals a flawless six-pac after scoring for Southampton against Arsenal on December 26, 2015
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1Manchester CityMan City33009369
2Chelsea33007259
3Manchester UnitedMan Utd33006159
4Everton32104227
5Hull City32014226
6Middlesbrough31203215
7Tottenham HotspurSpurs31203215
8Arsenal31116514
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15Southampton302124-22
16Sunderland301235-21
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18Watford301236-31
19Bournemouth301225-31
20Stoke CityStoke301226-41