Liverpool plotting move to sign Southampton skipper José Fonte

Liverpool are are looking to sign Southampton defender, José Fonte, in the January transfer window to plug their leaky defence.

Fonte has recently rejected a new contract deal at St Mary’s, and he is looking for a move elsewhere. Southampton will demand a fee of around £10m for the 33-year-old defender.

According to reports from the Mirror, Liverpool are keen to bring the Portuguese to Anfield to reinforce the defensive area. Jürgen Klopp wants to bring in an experienced defender to his squad, and Fonte fits the bill. His wealth of experience could be a major asset for Klopp, as he aims to guide Liverpool to the Premier League title.

The Reds could be willing to use French defender, Mamadou Sakho, as a part of the deal. Sakho joined Liverpool in 2013 for a reported fee of £18m, but has become out of favour at Anfield. He is not in the first team plans of the Reds manager, and has been banished to the reserves. The French defender is frustrated with the treatment from Klopp, and he is desperate to leave the club.

Fonte has been a reported target of Manchester United as well, but in all probability the Red Devils will not make a move for him. The centre-back partnership of Phil Jones and Marcos Rojo has been pivotal to United’s resurgence, while Mourinho has other targets as well.

Meanwhile, Fonte’s team-mate Virgil van Dijk, will not be leaving the club in the January transfer window. A host of Premier League clubs have shown an interest in the Dutchman, but he appreciates the chance the Saints have given him in the Premier League, and is happy to stay put.