Liverpool have been in the search for a new defender for quite a while and they seem to have targeted Southampton once again as the club they would want to raid. Recent rumours have suggested that the Reds want to sign 25-year-old Virgil van Dijk but there are rumours stating that Jurgen Klopp could move for Jose Fonte, who is Van Dijk’s partner in defence.
The 32-year-old has primarily played in the Premier League this season and hasn’t featured a lot in the Europa League and it was suggested earlier that he would be sold by the south coast club since they have not been able to finalise a contract extension with the Euro 2016 winner.
Fonte has played in a number of divisions for the club and joined them in 2010. He currently has 18 months left on his contract and could leave Southampton for a fee close to be £5million, far lesser than the exit clause of Van Dijk which is rumoured to be at £25million.
The Southampton captain did speak out about his contract impasse with the Saints. He was quoted by the Daily Mail as stating:
“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. My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game!”
The Portugal star also highlighted the fact that he wanted to play every game but was frustrated at the lack of chances.
“Of course I’m disappointed. I want to play every game. I’m fit to play every game. I’m always on the dance floor – I’m always fit.
“I worked really hard last year to play Europa League. I worked really hard and obviously I’m disappointed, but I have to accept the decision from the manager and be ready when I am called to play.
“If I’m called to play Europa League, I will be there, as simple as that.”
A cheap alternative for Liverpool
The Reds don’t have a lot of quality when it comes to cover for their defence. That was on show in the 4-3 defeat at the hands of Bournemouth and for the price offered; Fonte would be a great signing for Klopp and the side.
The 32-year-old defender knows the league well and has regularly performed, plus his experience will be a great help for the Merseyside club who are trying to get back into the Champions League this season.
Fonte did also elaborate on his contract issue with the Saints and that is something Liverpool should look to act on really quick.
“There’s nothing on the table that I didn’t sign. There was nothing there, to be honest.
“There was in the summer, they offered me a pay rise. They didn’t offer me a new contract.
“They offered me a pay rise which I’m entitled to discuss with my agent and entitled to say no to as well.”
