Southampton captain Jose Fonte has handed in a transfer request to force a move to Manchester United in the January window, according to the Mirror.

The Portugal international who won Euro 2016 last summer has 18 months remaining on his current deal with the Saints.

The report goes onto state that United manager Jose Mourinho has set his sights on Fonte as he looks to bolster his defensive options over the January transfer window.

Fonte recently expressed his displeasure at his current situation at Southampton: “Just to set the record straight I did not reject a new contract. In fact, I have been informed by Southampton that they are not offering me a new contract.”

Just to set the record straight I did NOT reject a new contract, in fact I have been informed by Southampton that they are NOT offering me a new contract. My focus is on Thursday helping us win the game! #wemarchon

A photo posted by JOSE FONTE (@f6nte) on Dec 6, 2016 at 10:25am PST

According to the Mirror, Southampton’s director of football Les Reed claims that Fonte has now asked to leave the club.

Fonte has made 19 appearances for Southampton in all competitions this season. The Saints find themselves in 10 place in the Premier League after 20 games.

The Saints take on Norwich City in the FA Cup this weekend.