Manchester United Transfer News: Fresh Red Devils Rumours Before Summer Deadline

Jose Fonte has reportedly been told he will not be leaving Southampton this summer—likewise, Phil Jones has been told he will be staying at Manchester United.

According to the Daily Mail's Sami Mokbel, the Saints have informed Red Devils target Fonte that he's not for sale and have also offered him a new two-year deal.

Meanwhile, per Simon Jones of the same outlet, despite reported interest from Stoke City and Hull City, United manager Jose Mourinho has expressed his desire to keep Jones for the season, with the club potentially playing upward of 60 games this year depending on their progression in the UEFA Europa League and domestic cup competitions.

The Red Devils have already recruited defender Eric Bailly this summer, and the Ivorian has made an impressive start to life at Old Trafford.

Daley Blind has proved he can fill in at centre-back competently, while Chris Smalling has developed into a solid defender in recent years.

Beyond those three, however, there's room for an experienced and reliable player to either join Bailly in the starting lineup or provide cover.

Fonte has shown himself to be an excellent defender in the Premier League and on the international stage, helping Portugal win UEFA Euro 2016 this summer.

Per WhoScored.com, the 32-year-old is among the top passing centre-backs in the league, while Squawka Football provided his largely impressive stats from last season:

Football writer Nooruddean Choudry believes he would be a shrewd acquisition:

However, Southampton are clearly determined to keep him, perhaps prompting Mourinho to give Jones a chance.

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The Englishman is yet to feature for the Special One, but with United set to balance a title challenge with cup and European competitions, it's likely his entire squad will be given opportunities this season.

If Jones is to salvage his United career, he needs to impress this year. Before he can do that, he must stay fit—according to Transfermarkt, he has missed 84 games through injury in the last four years.

Should injury prevent him from providing cover or if he fails to produce on the pitch, this will in all likelihood be his last season with United.