In recent days, there has been a lot of speculation over the future of Southampton captain Jose Fonte.

While some reports have suggested the Portugal international turned down a new contract offer from the south coast outfit, the 32-year-old claimed on Instagram that he had in fact been told by the club that he wasn’t to be offered an extension to his current deal.

Fonte is Saints’ current longest-serving player, having been with the side since 2010, and he has made more than 280 appearances in all competitions in that time - as they have risen from the depths of League One to a top-six finish in the Premier League and European nights against Inter Milan.

However, the Portuguese has become frustrated that he hasn’t played a minute of the side’s Europa League campaign this term and he could leave St Mary’s sooner rather than later.

Here are four reasons why the Saints should let Fonte leave the club in January…

He isn’t getting any younger

The centre-back will be 33 later this month and while he has the experience and leadership to still be a mainstay in the Saints team, his legs aren’t getting any younger and that has shown at times this season – including in the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace last weekend.

The club’s infamous black box will already be searching for potential replacements for Fonte and those efforts could be stepped up during the January transfer window if they receive an acceptable offer for his services.

They can get a decent transfer fee

Following his triumph with Portugal at Euro 2016 and the fact that he is still viewed as one of the most reliable centre-backs in the Premier League, Southampton may feel that this is their best chance to receive the optimum transfer fee for the 32-year-old.

With the likes of Manchester United and Everton recently linked, Fonte won’t be leaving on the cheap. But if Southampton's valuation is met, he will be allowed to make his exit.

Van Dijk is permanent captain material

While Fonte has been the Saints skipper ever since Adam Lallana left to join Liverpool in 2014, Virgil van Dijk has stepped up and captained the team when he has been absent this season - doing a fine job.

Despite being seven years younger, the Dutchman has impressed with his leadership qualities in Europe and shown that he is ready to captain the team permanently, which could persuade Claude Puel that now is the time to let Fonte go.

The form of Maya Yoshida

In previous seasons Southampton supporters would have been worried to see Yoshida start regularly at the back. But the Japan international has looked a lot calmer and more composed when he has made appearances this season, many of which have been alongside Van Dijk at the heart of the defence.

The duo have formed a good partnership in the side’s European fixtures – as well as during the League Cup win at Arsenal – suggesting the departure of Fonte wouldn’t be as detrimental as it may currently seem.