As reported by The Mirror, Jose Fonte has turned down a contract offer from Southampton with Jose Mourinho and Ronald Koeman both interested in securing his services this January.

What's the word?

Jose Fonte is an eight-year veteran at Southampton and has been with the club since their days in League One, but his relationship with the club could soon be coming to an end after contract talks broke down.

The Mirror report that the Saints were willing to raise his wage to £80k-per-week salary but would not guarantee his contract past the end of next season - the date at which his current contract expires.

They also reckon Fonte, 33, is unhappy with his club after they failed to notify him of a £9m bid from Everton in the summer, a move that would have seen him reunited with former boss Koeman.

According to the report both Everton and Manchester United are still interested in his services and he looks set to leave St Mary's this January.

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Club veteran

The Southampton captain has made close to 300 appearances for the Saints over the years, and has been instrumental in their rise to become one of the Premier League's most consistent clubs.

His departure would leave a big gap at the back at St Mary's, which is a real worry with the future of Virgil van Dijk also in doubt.

His incredible rise was highlighted this summer when he played every knockout game, including the final, at Euro 2016 as his Portugal side won the trophy for the first time.

A player with vast experience he'd likely improve both Everton's and Man United's backlines, at least in the short term.

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