Ronald Koeman is looking to complete a reunion with Saints captain Jose Fonte at Everton, with the club submitting a £9million offer, according to Duncan Castles of the Daily Record.
The defender was at the heart of the Portugal team that won the European Championships earlier in the month and is attracting attention from all over continent. Manchester United are also said to be targeting a move for Fonte, but must remove the deadwood from their squad before making a move.
With Manchester United some way off completing a deal, Everton have stormed in with the hope that they can complete a deal under the noses of the Manchester club, but it is likely that their opening offer of £9million will be rebuffed.
As Southampton captain, the defender will be an integral part of the club’s future and the Saints hierarchy will not want to let one of their most prized assets leave for such a low fee.
With John Stones set to swap Merseyside for the blue half of Manchester, the Toffees would likely use a chunk of that fee in an attempt to convince Fonte to make the move up North. Other defensive targets include Swansea’s Ashley Williams and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly.
