Claude Puel has suggested that it is very strange that the Jose Fonte transfer rumours should surface with only a few days before Saints travel to his alleged suitors Manchester United.
Claude Puel has spoken about the Jose Fonte transfer situation suggesting that it is more than co incidence that the rumours are surfacing just as Saints prepare to travel to Old Trafford perhaps hinting that Jose Mourinho's friendship with Jorge Mendes might be behind the situation.
The Saints boss also confirmed that Fonte has trained all week and seems focused on the task ahead.
Speaking at today's press conference Puel said.
"There is no problem with Jose but it is strange that this rumour comes up just before the game that he might go to United."
"But there is no problem with Jose. He is a very good professional and he has trained well this week.
"It is important to have Jose with us and I hope to have him against United."
When asked if he has any concerns about playing Fonte at Old Trafford, Puel said:
"No. Jose has good experience and he is a good professional.
"He cannot be disturbed by this story because for me it is just a rumour. I am surprised to see this two days before we play United but it is not a problem. But Jose is our captain and I'm sure he will be completely ready for this game."
Certainly United chasing Fonte seems strange, they have plenty of options in central defence meaning that if he did go Fonte might at best be fourth or even fifth choice.
That being the case it is likely that Fonte's agent the aforementioned Jorge mendes is trying to squeeze more money out of Saints in the contract upgrade currently on the table for the Portugese defender.