Manchester United Transfer News: Latest on Jose Fonte and Memphis Depay Rumours

Manchester United have held “informal talks” with Southampton over the potential signing of centre-back Jose Fonte.

That’s according to ESPN FC’s Miguel Delaney, who added a bid for the player is likely to follow. United manager Jose Mourinho is said to be "intent on signing an experienced defensive leader” and feels Fonte is “the best and most realistic option."

Delaney added that United have been met with resistance in their pursuits of Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Real Madrid’s Raphael Varane.

IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

In Fonte, United would not only be getting an experienced leader, but they’d also be securing a player who’s already cut his teeth in English football. Additionally, the 32-year-old is in the form of his life, having played a key role in Portugal’s success at the UEFA European Championship this summer.

With the Saints, he’s been a linchpin at the base of the team for many years, having joined from Crystal Palace in 2010. Sports journalist Liam Canning thinks having missed out on the biggest names, Fonte would be a smart signing:

It’s a possible deal not without its down sides, though. Southampton would surely want a sizeable fee if they were to lose such a key part of their squad, and some tied to United would be wary about paying big for a defender who turns 33 in December. Fonte, arguably, is not an enormous upgrade on the club's options in this area, either.

However, the Red Devils do lack an experienced communicator at the back to complement the likes of Eric Bailly and Chris Smalling. Fonte showed he could fulfil that kind of role at the highest level at the Euros and would surely relish the challenge at Old Trafford at this stage in his career.

Memphis Depay Backed

Michael Regan/Getty Images

Mourinho is adamant Memphis Depay has a future at Old Trafford despite his tough debut term at United.

The winger arrived last summer with a stellar reputation, having excelled for PSV Eindhoven during the 2014-15 campaign. However, Memphis struggled under former manager Louis van Gaal and was pushed to the periphery of the United squad come the end of the campaign.

Naturally, there have been concerns about his future at the club as a result; Mourinho, per Steve Bates of the Sunday People (h/t the Mirror), cleared up the player’s status:

"

I don’t want to go into last season too much, but I know the player I’ve watched at PSV and the World Cup two years ago when he was a very young kid. Having that player in mind, I want to keep him. And I believe in him, yes. Especially as I see a good boy, a good kid, a good professional. I don’t care what people think.

You can see him driving a nice car and you think this guy is not thinking about football, but that is not the case. He is frustrated with what happened last season, where he lost all confidence. But he will be back.

"

Goal’s Peter McVitie agrees with that assessment and thinks some of the conclusions drawn about the Dutchman after a season in England are harsh:

As noted by Bates, speculation emerged when Mourinho was appointed in May that Memphis' flyaway style may not mesh well with the pragmatic principles of his new manager.

Indeed, United have strengthened their attacking options this offseason, with Paul Pogba, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Zlatan Ibrahimovic to contest spots in the side.

OLI SCARFF/Getty Images

Depay, still just 22, has the talent to force his way into the team, although he needs to show greater application in other facets of his game.

Mourinho may be the manager who could bring some consistency to the winger’s play in England should the player take instructions on board. He’ll have to bide his time, take his chances when they come and impress the new boss behind the scenes; that way, Depay could harness his excellent natural talent and thrive in the Premier League.