Saints star Fonte set for the exit

Claude Puel says Jose Fonte is fielding several “opportunities” to leave Southampton this month.

West Ham have been rumoured to be interested in want-away Saints defender Fonte, and manager Puel has accepted there are several offers on the table for the 33-year-old.

Saints ground past Norwich 1-0 in last night’s FA Cup third round replay, courtesy of Shane Long’s last-gasp bundled goal, to book a home clash with Arsenal on January 28.

Euro 2016 winner Fonte’s future remains of top interest however, with Saints boss Puel predicting progress on a possible deal in the week ahead.

“He has some opportunities: he studies these opportunities,” said Puel of Fonte. “And for Southampton it’s the same. We will see if Jose leaves Southampton; we will see over the next few days.”

Puel handed England Under-21 cap Jack Stephens his first start in his preferred position of centre-back against Norwich, but remained coy on whether the 22-year-old is yet ready to step into Fonte’s shoes.

Refusing to confirm Saints would chase a replacement for Fonte, Puel said: “It was important to see him in his main position of centre-back, having had a couple of starts at right-back.

“It’s interesting to see Jack Stephens in this situation for example. because we know Jose Fonte’s situation, he might leave the club, so it’s important to see Jack’s performances.”