Recent Man United transfer talk has linked Southampton centre-back Jose Fonte with a possible move to Old Trafford.
The 32-year-old defender, who won Euro 2016 with Portugal this summer, has now chosen to speak about the speculation.
And, while he has tried to tow the party line, he sounds like he would jump at the chance to sign for the Red Devils.
In an interview with Mais Futebol, which has been translated by ESPN, Fonte is quoted as saying: “If the interest is there, it is a reason to be flattered to be associated with a club like Manchester United.
“But I have a contract with Southampton, and I’m just focused on my work, to make a great season. I will not deny that Manchester United is one of the biggest clubs in the world and that it makes me happy to be associated with it. But to be Manchester United’s player is a big difference.”
ESPN have kindly translated from Portuguese to English, but now let me translate from English to honest.
I read those quotes as: “I’m buzzing. If United really want me of course I’d love to play for a big team. I mean, mate, I’m 32 and Southampton is probably the best club I’ve ever played for.
“While I would obviously jump at the chance to move to Old Trafford if it comes up, I’m hardly about to hand in a transfer request because I’ll look a right tit if some dodgy rag back home in Portugal has just made this whole thing up to shift a few newspapers.”
Fonte was part of Saints backline that kept 12 clean sheets in the Premier League last season.
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