Odd one this. Not many players hand in transfer requests these days - largely because that can forgo them loyalty bonuses. It can also cause alienation with fans.

Just get the sense that there is more to this than meets the eye. I actually hope so because, if not, it appears SFC offered a one year extension plus cash but he didn't want it - meaning he had no intention of staying and believes he has a "big opportunity" to play for a big club. It does appear SFC are happy with that and now look to put him in the shop window.

Trouble is it actually doesn't change anything. SFC won't sell him unless a decent deal comes in and they have a replacement lined up. Will Man U go for him? Just doesn't make sense for them to do so - and their fans are already making it clear they see Fonte as a 4th choice CB at best.

Everton are probably most likely suitors but they will have to pay high and it is unlikely to really satisfy their hardcore fans either. Let's face it: it's going to be a lot of money spent on a player with 1-2 seasons max left.

China is a possibility. And if he goes there then it's clear it's just about the money.

What I don't buy is this "Saints have treated him disgracefully" bull. It appears he was offered a wage hike and an extra year, which would have seen him finishing his career at Saints and becoming a full bloodied legend likely to be offered a role at the club. He doesn't want to stay and SFC appear to be acting in a sensible business like way.

Yet overall he has been a fantastic servant of the club and I wish him the very best. It's a shame it won't end in that true legend way but he must go with the club's best wishes and not like a thief in the night like Lalallana.

Its all about results, we lose 3 in a row & all we hear is about internal mishaps between management & players. We win 3 in a row & everything is rosy & the Jose transfer request isn't that big a news. The next 2 games Norwich & Liverpool are huge, we lose them I don't see how Puel can stay. We win those games & they are very winnable, Norwich pushing for a play off place & Liverpool maybe having an eye on Chelsea & Man u games with us sandwiched in the middle of those games both have more bigger fish to fry! Getting back to Jose, what is worrying is if Jose is to go ( I hope he doesn't) is Yoshida would be his replacement!! now don't get me wrong I like yoshida as a squad player but as a regular.. Noooo thanks.