Manchester United Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Jose Fonte and More

Southampton maintain that reported Manchester United transfer target Jose Fonte is not for sale, while young striker James Wilson could be in line for another loan move to the Championship, with Birmingham said to be in the driving seat.

As reported by Jamie Styles of the Daily Star, Fonte has been linked with a move to Old Trafford following his strong 2015-16 Premier League campaign and great performances for Portugal during UEFA Euro 2016.

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The 32-year-old has previously indicated he would be open to a move, per the report, but new Saints manager Claude Puel has now confirmed he won't let the veteran centre-back leave the club, per Sky Sports (h/t Styles).

Asked if he wanted him to stay, he said: "Yes. He is a very important player for the squad and the team. It's fantastic to have two players that are champions of Europe, with [Cedric] Soares. Only we can say that. Jose came back with the squad and it's important to keep him with a good head and attitude."

United have already added a centre-back this summer with Villarreal's Eric Bailly making the move, but the Ivorian lacks Premier League experience, and depth is limited behind him and Chris Smalling.

Signing a veteran like Fonte could help ease Bailly into his new situation and would add some top depth with an eye on the busy schedule ahead for the Red Devils. Per ESPN FC's Miguel Delaney, that's exactly what Mourinho is looking for:

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As a result, Mourinho is now focused on bringing in another centre-back -- specifically a defensive leader. The United hierarchy have discussed the possibility of bringing in Southampton's Jose Fonte (who won Euro 2016 with Portugal) but Mourinho wants to fully monitor what is acknowledged to be a thin market for centre-backs before fully pursuing any deals.

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Delaney highlights Juventus' Leonardo Bonucci as the perfect target, but the Italian is not expected to leave the Bianconeri anytime soon. Fonte isn't the world-class operator Bonucci is, but he does have some similar traits, including his ability to lead a defence.

United have the kind of financial power to offer Southampton terms even the Saints would find hard to turn down, but it's worth noting that, per Styles, Fonte highlighted UEFA Champions League football as a factor that could influence his decision to leave St. Mary's.

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The Red Devils have already shown a lack of Champions League football doesn't have to be an obstacle when making a pitch, but other clubs will also be interested should Fonte become available, and they may be able to offer the Portugal international just that.

Elsewhere, ESPN FC (h/t the Manchester Evening News' Simon Bajkowski) reports several Championship clubs want to take Wilson on loan, with Birmingham leading the charge. The 20-year-old spent last season on loan at Brighton & Hove Albion and once again appears primed for a short-term spell away from the club.

Wilson has long been regarded as one of United's top young talents, but he was usurped in the pecking order by Marcus Rashford last year and won't have much of a role following the arrival of Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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He's too talented and unproven to move on a permanent basis, as teams won't be willing to pay top dollar for a player who could not be worth it in a few years.

Another loan deal is the perfect solution, giving the youngster the chance to continue his development. If Wilson can increase his scoring output, he could still have a big role to play at Old Trafford, and if not, he could be an interesting transfer target for a host of smaller clubs by next summer.