Manchester United planning bid for EURO 2016 star – report

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been known to pull off some unconventional transfer deals in the past when he needs a short-term solution.

And perhaps we are about to see his first such deal at Old Trafford as reports are linking the United supremo with a move for his Portugal countryman Jose Fonte.

The Daily Star wrote earlier today:

Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho plotting £10m bid for Euro 2016 winner

At 32 years of age this would be seen as something of a shock move for Manchester United. But there has long been conjecture about Mourinho possibly wanting more experience in a defence which currently has an average age in the early to mid 20s.

There is no lack of talent there but the Manchester United manager may want an old head for the next season or so as the likes of Eric Bailly bed into the first team squad.

Jose Fonte was an unexpected success at Euro 2016. He came into the side for the round of 16 game and stayed in the team until the final where Portugal beat France, to the surprise of many.

This late bloomer, who didn’t get international debut until he was 30 years of age, was signed by Southampton in 2010 for just £1.2 million. He has gone on to play 267 league games for his club and scored a really decent 15 goals.

He was one of the best centre backs in The Premier League last season and TFF could see Manchester United making a move for him to bolster their back line for the coming campaign.

And it’s difficult to imagine the player turning down the chance to play for such a big club towards the end of his career.