Southampton face a struggle to keep skipper Jose Fonte at St Mary's, after the 32-year-old turned down a new contract.
The Portuguese international was offered an £80k-a-week contract, that would've made him the Saints' highest paid player.
However, Fonte, who turns 33 this month,has declined the contract, as reported by theMirror,as the deal would still see his contract end at the end of the 2017/18 season.
Fonte is said to already be upset with his club as they failed to inform him about a £9m bid from Everton in the summer, in amove that would have seen the centre-back link up with his former manager Ronald Koeman.
Koeman will be excited at the news Fonte has reportedly turned down a new offer and could make a move again for the player in January.
He faces stiff competition from Fonte's compatriot Jose Mourinho, however, as Mourinho and Fonte both share the same agent and a move to Manchester United would not involve many complications.
Fonte has created 3 top class CB partnerships W/ Lovren, Alderweireld & Van Dijk. He deserves some credit for it too.
It is no surprise Fonte's refusal has attracted interest. The Saints star has been an ever present for his side over the last couple of seasons.
Since switching to St Mary's, from Crystal Palace, the defender has scored 15 goals in 254 appearances. His performances have also seen him named Saints Player of the Year twice (2010/11 and 2014/15)
The centre back is often an unsung hero in the Premier League and it will be interesting to see if or when he moves in January. United may have the edge over Everton with money but the chance to reunite with Koeman could be too good to turn down for Fonte.