OptiNews - Friday 20 to Thursday 26 January 2017

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Not long until #LCFC!

Remember this 2-1 win for #SaintsFC in 1997, with Chris Marsden and @1jamesbeattie scoring? https://grabyo.com/g/v/nAKMS7Dx4Rj

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@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

Find out what else is inside #SaintsFC’s matchday magazine for the visit of #LCFC: http://sfcne.ws/SAINTSLCFCH

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 20/01/2017 21:28:59

| | Southampton make €22m + bonuses bid, something doesn’t quite add upSPORTWITNESS |
|

| Jose Fonte Rapidly Closing On £8m Switch To West Ham After Rejecting West BromINSIDEFUTBOLCOM |
| | REALSPORT101COM |
| | West Ham Set To Sign Quality Premier League Player: We Analyse His StatisticsFRESHFOOTBALL |
| | Officials - Southampton v Leicester (22/1/17)VITALFOOTBALL |

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

Southampton make £13m bid for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini in quest to bolster front line as Charlie Austin faces three months out

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Southampton have made a formal offer of £13m for Napoli striker Manolo Gabbiadini, according to reports in Italy.

The Saints are desperate to sign a forward before the transfer window slams shut to replace Charlie Austin, who may not be fit for another three months due to a shoulder injury.

Monaco striker Valere Germain has been touted as a possible target, while an audacious loan move for Liverpool’s Daniel Sturridge was reported back in November.

However, according to TWW, Southampton have set their sights on Gabbiadini by submitting a bid of £13m.

The striker is expected to leave Napoli this month after falling down the pecking order behind new arrival Leonardo Pavoletti.

However, Southampton’s offer could prove to be too small as Gabbiadini’s asking price is said to be closer to £20m.

The Saints’ bid, though, is the only formal bid on the table and could force Napoli into selling as the end of the transfer window draws closer.

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Read Southampton

New content from (- Read Southampton)

| Confirmed - Jose Fonte signs for West Ham | Southampton Football Club have confirmed that club captain Jose Fonte has completed a transfer to join West Ham … 20-01-2017 |

Older content…

| Napoli director to discuss Gabbiadini deal with Saints21 hours ago |
| Predicted Opposition XI - Southampton vs Leicester21 hours ago |
| Last time out - Southampton vs Leicester21 hours ago |
| Fonte set for West Ham medical tomorrow2 days ago |
| Cheltenham looking to loan Olufela Olomola2 days ago |
| Saints and the Sinners: Our Fallen Captain2 days ago |
| Van Dijk to hold out for summer City move2 days ago |
| Puel keen to bring in Sakho before Fonte sale2 days ago |
| Jose Fonte set to complete £8m move to West Ham2 days ago |

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Southampton v Leicester: Team news, kick-off time and more

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Ahead of the weekend Premier League action, Sportsmail will be providing you with all you need to know about every fixture, with team news, provisional squads, betting odds and Opta stats. Here is all the information you need for Southampton’s trip to St Mary’s to play Leicester.

Southampton manager Claude Puel will again make changes to his team as their demanding schedule continues with the first of four fixtures in nine days as they host Leicester in the Premier League.

Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk are set to be recalled after missing Wednesday’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay defeat of Norwich.

Puel is, however, still without the injured Steven Davis (knock), Jeremy Pied (knee), Matt Targett (hamstring), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Sofiane Boufal (knee) and Charlie Austin (shoulder). He will also not consider Jose Fonte for selection while the central defender’s future remains uncertain.

Leonardo Ulloa will miss Leicester’s trip to Southampton on Sunday as he struggles to shake off a thigh injury.

The striker has handed in a transfer request following an offer from Spanish side Alaves but the Premier League champions want to keep the 30-year-old.

Defender Luis Hernandez is in Spain to finalise a move to Malaga but boss Claudio Ranieri has no fresh injury worries as the Foxes continue to look for their first away league win of the season.

Saints have won just one of their last seven league meetings with Leicester (D2 L4), including two defeats in the Championship in 2011-12.

However, Leicester have never won a Premier League game at St Mary’s (D3 L1), last beating Southampton away in the competition 2-1 at the Dell in April 2000.

Southampton’s next home defeat will be their 100th in the Premier League.

Jamie Vardy scored both of Leicester’s goals in this fixture last season, as the Foxes came from 2-0 down to earn a point.

Southampton have lost their last four Premier League games, something they last did in December 2014. They’ve not lost five in the same top-flight season since 1998-99.

The only reigning top-flight champion to have fewer points after 21 games than Leicester City have currently are Ipswich Town 1962/63 (18, assuming three for a win).

Southampton have the lowest shot conversion rate of any Premier League side this season (6.1%).

The Foxes are still waiting for the first away league win since April 2016 (D5 L7).

Saints last failed to score in three successive Premier League matches in February 2015.

Claudio Ranieri’s side have led in just five Premier League games this season, totalling 308 minutes.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Southampton vs Leicester team news: Squads revealed, injuries and more

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Southampton manager Claude Puel will again make changes to his team as their demanding schedule continues with the first of four fixtures in nine days as they host Leicester in the Premier League.

Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk are set to be recalled after missing Wednesday’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay defeat of Norwich.

Puel is, however, still without the injured Steven Davis (knock), Jeremy Pied (knee), Matt Targett (hamstring), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Sofiane Boufal (knee) and Charlie Austin (shoulder). He will also not consider Jose Fonte for selection while the central defender’s future remains uncertain.

Leonardo Ulloa will miss out for Leicester as he struggles to shake off a thigh injury.

The striker has handed in a transfer request following an offer from Spanish side Alaves but the Premier League champions want to keep the 30-year-old.

Defender Luis Hernandez is in Spain to finalise a move to Malaga but boss Claudio Ranieri has no fresh injury worries as the Foxes continue to look for their first away league win of the season.

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

Jose Fonte completes West Ham medical ahead of £8m move - Sky sources

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Southampton defender Jose Fonte has completed a medical at West Ham ahead of a planned move to the London club, Sky sources understand.

Sky Sports News HQ reported on Thursday that Southampton and West Ham were in talks over the move, with an £8m fee being agreed.

Southampton manager Claude Puel confirmed earlier this week that Fonte had “different possibilities” regarding a transfer, and it now appears that he has chosen a move to the London Stadium.

The Saints captain informed the club that he wanted to leave in the first week of the transfer window and he was forced to clarify on social media reports that he had rejected a new deal.

He said: “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.”

Liverpool were also reported to be interested in Fonte but Sky sources ruled the Reds out of the running earlier in the window.

Fonte has made over 280 appearances for the South Coast club, but he hasn’t been included in the squad since requesting a transfer.

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 20/01/2017 22:29:30

| | Move imminent as West Ham bound Jose Fonte spotted dining at Japanese restaurant in London last night (Images)THICKACCENT |
| | Aubameyang Rules Out Klopp Reunion, Puel Dismisses “Speculation” Around Sakho MovePAISLEYGATES |

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:movie_camera::newspaper:

Watch Claude Puel speak with the written media, ahead of #SaintsFC’s meeting with #PL champions #LCFC: http://sfcne.ws/PressLCFCH2

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Sourced from A tweet by SouthamptonFC tweet

@SouthamptonFC - Southampton FC

:ticket:

Not got a ticket for #SaintsFC’s clash with #LCFC yet? You’ve still got time to secure your seat: http://sfcne.ws/LCFCHTickets

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Sourced from A tweet by SFC_Foundation tweet

@SFC_Foundation - Saints Foundation

Player experiences continue with sushi, darts and FIFA with some of the squad, thanks #saintsfc for helping us rais… https://twitter.com/i/web/status/822524913198231553

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Summary of non-mainstream articles: 20/01/2017 23:29:40

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| Boot Room Extra Podcast - Southampton previewAUDIOBOOMBBCRADIOLEICESTER |
| | Ranieri Searching For Southampton WinVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Should West Ham have swooped for 27-year-old international instead of Fonte?HEREISTHECITY |
| | Rumour Mill: Man Utd want Ajax prodigy; Chelsea ‘blocked’ - TEAMtalk | Latest Football News & Transfer RumoursTEAMTALK |
| | Puel & JWP On LeicesterVITALFOOTBALL |
| | West Ham: Deal Close –THEFOOTBALLFREAK |
| | Drinkwater Wants Maximum Saints ReturnVITALFOOTBALL |
| | Jose Fonte’s move to West Ham is nearly doneFOOTBALLLONDON |
| | WHUFCONLINE |

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Sourced from talkSPORT article

TRANSFER INSIDER: Dimitri Payet update, plus Jose Fonte’s imminent West Ham move and Thibaut Courtois’ future

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The Sun’s Shaun Custis joins Hawksbee and Jacobs to discuss all the very latest transfer news.

He looks at West Ham’s involvement in a possible deadline day transfer scramble, with Marseille participating in some tactical brinkmanship in their bid to sign Dimitri Payet, and Jose Fonte’s imminent move to the London Stadium.

Plus, there’s time to discuss Chelsea goalkeepers, Thibaut Courtois and Asmir Begovic, being linked with moves away from Stamford Bridge, and other rumours featuring Manchester City, West Brom, Watford, and Sunderland.

Click here for more transfer talk from The Sun.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Premier League team news January 21-22: Squads revealed, injury updates and more

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Another weekend brings another host of Premier League fixtures.

Tottenham, who have emerged as Chelsea’s closest challengers at the top of the table, visit Manchester City while Liverpool host Swansea.

And on Sunday, Arsenal take on Burnley and Hull travel to Stamford Bridge.

Here is all the team news ahead of the top-flight fixtures…

Swansea new boys Martin Olsson and Tom Carroll are available for the Premier League trip to Liverpool.

But Luciano Narsingh’s debut is set to be delayed again as the Dutch winger has yet to recover from a calf problem.

Leon Britton could also miss out with an unspecified injury, while Neil Taylor is absent once more with a fractured cheekbone.

Liverpool captain Jordan Henderson and Nathaniel Clyne are expected to be fit.

Both returned to training on Friday after muscle and rib injuries respectively.

Manager Jurgen Klopp will restore his big names as he fields his first-choice line-up again following the midweek FA Cup replay win over Plymouth and that could mean a first league start since November 26 for fit-again Philippe Coutinho.

Bournemouth captain Simon Francis will serve out the final match of his three-game ban for the visit of Watford.

Defender Marc Wilson remains unavailable, having missed the defeat at Hull because of a hamstring problem and is not yet back in full training. Tyrone Mings is expected to retain his place at centre-half.

Midfielder Lewis Cook played for the under-21s in midweek, so should be in contention, while defender Baily Cargill is back with the Cherries squad following his loan spell at Gillingham. Ivory Coast forward Max Gradel remains away on international duty.

Watford manager Walter Mazzarri will take a late decision on the fitness of goalkeeper Heurelho Gomes ahead of their Premier League clash at Bournemouth.

Gomes limped off in their 0-0 draw against Middlesbrough last Saturday with a back injury. Daryl Janmaat, who has been out since Boxing Day with a groin issue may feature, while new loan signing Tom Cleverley is pushing for a first start following his switch from Everton.

Nordin Amrabat and Adlene Guedioura are away on African Nations Cup duty.

Jeffrey Schlupp is pushing for his first start as a Crystal Palace player when the Eagles entertain Everton at Selhurst Park.

The former Leicester City forward made a late appearance from the bench in Palace’s 3-0 defeat against West Ham last Saturday.

James McArthur, Fraizer Campbell and Scott Dann are all fit and available to manager Sam Allardyce, but Wilfried Zaha and Bakary Sako are away on African Nations Cup duty while Connor Wickham, Steve Mandanda, Jonathan Benteke (all knee) and Pape Souare (broken leg) remain sidelined.

Everton boss Ronald Koeman has to decide which goalkeeper will play.

Maarten Stekelenburg is now fully fit after missing five games with a dead leg but Joel Robles has seized his chance in the Dutch stopper’s absence and may well keep his place.

Leighton Baines is suffering with a slight rib complaint but should be fit, leaving Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Mohamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie as Everton’s only injury absentees.

Striker Patrick Bamford could be handed a second debut for Middlesbrough against West Ham after completing a permanent move from Chelsea.

However, the frontman, who scored 19 times in 44 appearances on loan for the club during the 2014-15 season, has played little football in the last 18 months after making temporary moves to Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley and is likely to be involved only as a substitute.

Daniel Ayala sits out the second game of his three-match ban, while fellow defender Antonio Barragan (hamstring) and midfielder Gaston Ramirez (knee) remain on the sidelines.

Defenders Winston Reid and Sam Byram and winger Sofiane Feghouli have also sat out training this week with knocks, but boss Slaven Bilic expects all four players to be available.

Wantaway France star Dimitri Payet will not be in the squad as he continues to try to force a move back to Marseille.

Bojan Krkic will return to the Stoke squad for Saturday’s clash with Manchester United at the bet365 Stadium.

The Spaniard, who has been linked with a move away this month, has recovered from the rib problem that ruled him out of last weekend’s win over Sunderland.

Jonathan Walters, Geoff Cameron, Jack Butland and Stephen Ireland remain on the sidelines while Ramadan Sobhi, Wilfried Bony and Mame Biram Diouf are away on African Nations Cup duty.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has a fully-fit squad to choose from.

Eric Bailly is the only absentee for the trip to the bet365 Stadium as the Ivory Coast centre-back is at the African Nations Cup.

United left-back Luke Shaw is pushing for a first appearance since November 30 after returning to fitness.

Jake Livermore could make his West Brom debut against Sunderland on Saturday after joining from Hull.

The midfielder trained with the Baggies on Friday having completed the switch. Albion will give defender Jonny Evans a late fitness test as he continues to struggle with a calf injury.

Saido Berahino is unlikely to feature as talks with Stoke over a possible move remain ongoing, while Allan Nyom is still waiting for FIFA clearance to play having been left out of Cameroon’s African Nations Cup squad.

Sunderland midfielder Jack Rodwell is expected to be fit after his knee injury proved not to be as serious as was first thought.

Rodwell missed the midweek FA Cup third-round replay defeat at Burnley after suffering suspected medial ligament damage against Stoke at the weekend, but a scan revealed no lasting damage and he should be available for the game at the Hawthorns.

Fellow midfielder Steven Pienaar (calf) and striker Victor Anichebe (hamstring) could feature, but full-back Javier Manquillo (calf) is a doubt and keeper Jordan Pickford, defender Jan Kirchhoff, midfielder Paddy McNair and striker Duncan Watmore (all knee) are among the many other absentees.

New signing Gabriel Jesus could make his Manchester City debut against Tottenham on Saturday after the striker’s move from Palmeiras was finally completed this week.

Midfielder Fernandinho is still unavailable through suspension but captain Vincent Kompany could return after two months out with a knee injury.

Fernando is hoping to overcome a knock but another midfielder, Ilkay Gundogan, is a long-term casualty with a knee injury.

Kevin Wimmer and Ben Davies will be on hand to deputise for ankle injury victim Jan Vertonghen.

Vertonghen’s ankle problem is not as serious as first feared, with the Belgium central defender likely to be missing for six weeks.

Spurs have no new injury issues ahead of the Premier League trip to the Etihad Stadium.

Southampton manager Claude Puel will again make changes to his team as their demanding schedule continues with the first of four fixtures in nine days as they host Leicester in the Premier League.

Ryan Bertrand and Virgil van Dijk are set to be recalled after missing Wednesday’s 1-0 FA Cup third-round replay defeat of Norwich.

Puel is, however, still without the injured Steven Davis (knock), Jeremy Pied (knee), Matt Targett (hamstring), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Sofiane Boufal (knee) and Charlie Austin (shoulder). He will also not consider Jose Fonte for selection while the central defender’s future remains uncertain.

The striker has handed in a transfer request following an offer from Spanish side Alaves but the Premier League champions want to keep the 30-year-old.

Defender Luis Hernandez is in Spain to finalise a move to Malaga but boss Claudio Ranieri has no fresh injury worries as the Foxes continue to look for their first away league win of the season.

Southampton squad: Forster, Taylor, Bertrand, Van Dijk, Yoshida, Soares, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Clasie, Rodriguez, Tadic, Redmond, Lewis, Stephens, Hojbjerg, McQueen, Sims, Long.Leonardo Ulloa will miss out as he struggles to shake off a thigh injury.

Arsene Wenger is expected to welcome a trio of players back into his Arsenal squad for Sunday’s Premier League visit of Burnley.

Hector Bellerin (ankle), Kieran Gibbs (knee) and Francis Coquelin (hamstring) are all set to be in contention for a return to the side and Olivier Giroud is fit despite being forced off during the win at Swansea with an ankle issue.

Theo Walcott (calf), Santi Cazorla (Achilles), Per Mertesacker (knee) and Mathieu Debuchy (hamstring) all remain sidelined while midfielder Mohamed Elneny is at the African Nations Cup with Egypt.

Burnley boss Sean Dyche is set for a triple injury boost with Ashley Barnes, Dean Marney and Johann Berg Gudmundsson all back in contention.

All three players missed the midweek FA Cup replay win over Sunderland due to minor knocks but are expected to pass late fitness tests for the Emirates Stadium clash.

Scott Arfield is expected to miss out again after sustaining a knee injury in the original Sunderland fixture, while James Tarkowski could come into contention after an impressive display on Tuesday night.

Striker Diego Costa is fit to return from a back injury when Premier League leaders Chelsea play Hull on Sunday.

Costa missed last weekend’s win at Leicester amid speculation over his future and interest from China, but is committed to the cause, Conte says.

Captain John Terry is available again following suspension, but is likely to be a substitute at best.

The Scotland international has been forced to sit out training this week due to a muscle strain and will be monitored by head coach Marco Silva, who has no other new injury worries.

Jake Livermore’s £10million move to West Brom was completed on Friday morning, while recent signings Oumar Niasse and Evandro could make their full debuts. Midfielder David Meyler is hoping to be in contention after returning to training.

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Sourced from Daily Star article

Premier League Predictions: Man United stunned, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool all win

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Liverpool will be desperate to keep in touch with Premier League leaders Chelsea and will get back to winning ways at Anfield against Swansea. With Philippe Coutinho back fit I expect Jurgen Klopp’s men to have far too much going forward for Paul Clement’s side to handle. Roberto Firmino could be the man who finds extra space thanks to the return of his Brazilian team-mate. Both these sides are comfortably in mid-table after a solid first half of the season. The Cherries should have enough to get past the Hornets at home with Jack Wilshere pulling the strings in midfield. A victory for Bournemouth could move them up into the top half of the table.

It hasn’t been a dream start for Sam Allardyce at Selhurst Park by any means as he has yet to pick up a victory in the Premier League. And I’m not sure Everton will be the first team he beats as they will be rampant after destroying Manchester City 4-0 last time out. Romelu Lukaku will bully Palace’s defence and the Toffees will come away with the points. A crucial match for both teams as they look to move further away from the relegation zone. Aitor Karanka’s side have done well at the Riverside this season and they could hand Patrick Bamford his debut after his move from Chelsea earlier in the week. West Ham still have the cloud of Dimitri Payet’s likely January exit hanging over them and they will just be edged out by Boro.

This will be the shock result of the weekend. Stoke are always a tough team to beat at home and Man United might struggle. Zlatan Ibrahimovic will be frustrated by Mark Hughes’ side and the Potters will hang on to a famous victory. And if this does happen United can kiss goodbye to any lingering hopes they had of winning the Premier League title. West Brom have been the surprise package of the Premier League season so far and sit up in eighth place. Tony Pulis has the Baggies playing some entertaining football with Matt Phillips the standout player. Sunderland have been woeful under David Moyes and a quiet transfer window so far means they are staring relegation in the face.

Tottenham have proven they are Premier League title contenders by beating Man City once already this season. And although it will be a tougher task at the Etihad, with Harry Kane in blistering form I think they will pile more misery on Pep Guardiola. City were abject in their 4-0 loss to Everton last weekend and if they lose tomorrow the former Barcelona manager will be under serious pressure. Both teams have dangerous players going forward so I think this will be an entertaining affair at St Mary’s. The Foxes have sturggled this campaign after shocking the world by winning the Premier League last season. With Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani at the Africa Cup of Nations, Saints might just be favourites but I’m backing a draw.

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Sourced from Mirror.co.uk article

Jose Fonte “eyeing top eight challenge” after completing West Ham move

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West Ham have completed an £8million deal for Southampton’s wantaway captain Jose Fonte - who now has his eyes set on breaking into the Premier League’s top eight.

Hammers boss Slaven Bilic saw the club’s first bid of £7million rejected but they returned with an improved bid that was accepted by the Saints.

Fonte, 33, had been keen to leave St Mary’s for a new challenge, after coming up from League One with the south coast club.

Mirror Sport first revealed West Ham’s interest in the 33-year-old centre half and Bilic fought off late interest from West Brom.

Manchester United and Everton had both registered interest in the defender previously, but neither made a move to take him to the north west this month.

Fonte has inked a deal worth around £65,000-a-week, signing on until 2019.

“I signed for West Ham because they are a great club and a very big club," Fonte told the club’s official website. "They have a lot of fans and I have known for a number of years how passionate they are.

“The manager was also a very big influence. I thought that he really wanted me and that he sold me the project and the ambition of the Club.

“I also have part of my family living in London and they are big West Ham fans. It just made sense for me at this stage to join West Ham. It is a new challenge and a new beginning and I am looking forward to it.

“With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging in the top eight.

“I told the manager in conversations that we want to win and we want to win trophies. The ambition is big and we need to aim high.

“West Ham are a massive club and it is an exciting challenge and it should be for everyone. We all need to get together and start working.”

It is a huge boost for Bilic as he looks to bolster his defence and the Euro 2016 winner is a big addition.

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Sourced from Sky Sports article

West Ham complete signing of Southampton’s Jose Fonte for £8m

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West Ham have completed the signing of Southampton defender Jose Fonte for a fee of £8m.

Fonte completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Hammers on Friday evening after the clubs had agreed a fee for the player.

The Saints captain informed the club that he wanted to leave in the first week of the transfer window and he was forced to clarify on social media reports that he had rejected a new deal.

He will not be available for Saturday’s game at Middlesbrough, but could make his West Ham debut at London Stadium when Manchester City visit on Wednesday February 1.

Fonte said: "I signed for West Ham because they are a great club and a very big club. They have a lot of fans and I have known for a number of years how passionate they are.

"The manager was also a very big influence. I thought that he really wanted me and that he sold me the project and the ambition of the Club.

"I also have part of my family living in London and they are big West Ham fans. It just made sense for me at this stage to join West Ham. It is a new challenge and a new beginning and I am looking forward to it.

"With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging in the top eight.

"I told the manager in conversations that we want to win and we want to win trophies. The ambition is big and we need to aim high.

“West Ham are a massive club and it is an exciting challenge and it should be for everyone. We all need to get together and start working.”

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Sourced from London Evening Standard article

Jose Fonte completes £8million move to West Ham

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Southampton captain Jose Fonte has tonight completed an £8million move to West Ham.

The Portugal defender, who was part of his nation’s winning Euro 2016 squad, has signed a two-and-a-half-year deal at London Stadium.

Fonte brings a wealth of experience to Slaven Bilic’s side, having spent six years as a key member of the South Coast club’s defence.

Fonte, who will wear the number 33, will be expected to immediately challenge for a place in the Hammers’ starting line up as they attempt to climb the Premier League table.

And Fonte is determined to win a piece of silverware during his spell in east London: “I told the manager in conversations that we want to win and we want to win trophies.

"The ambition is big and we need to aim high. I signed for West Ham because they are a great club and a very big club.

“With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging in the top eight," Fonte told the club’s official website.

Fonte’s contract also includes an option to extend his stay for another year.

He has not been registered in time for tomorrow’s trip to Middlesbrough but could make his debut in next week’s clash against Manchester City.

A statement on Southampton’s website read: "Southampton Football Club would like to thank Jose for his service and for his contribution to all the club’s achievements in his time here.

“We would also like to wish him well for the future.”

Meanwhile, Standard Sport understands Brentford striker Scott Hogan is in contention to feature against Wigan tomorrow, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.

West Ham have had bids of £10m, £11.5m and £12.5m turned down but the Bees are determined not to let the 24-year-old leave on the cheap.

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Sourced from BBC article

Jose Fonte: West Ham sign Southampton captain

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West Ham have signed Southampton captain Jose Fonte for £8m on a two-and-a-half-year deal.

The 33-year-old Portugal centre-back - who spent seven years at Southampton - made a transfer request with 18 months left to run on his Saints deal.

The transfer includes a possible £1m in add-ons and gives Fonte the option to extend his contract for a further year.

Southampton’s director of football Les Reed said Fonte had the chance to sign an improved deal but requested a move.

Fonte, a Euro 2016 winner, said West Ham manager Slaven Bilic was a “very big influence” in convincing him to choose the Hammers ahead of other clubs.

“I thought that he really wanted me and that he sold me the project and the ambition of the club,” Fonte told the club’s website.

Fonte made 288 appearances at St Mary’s and was the last remaining member of the Saints side that rose from League One to the Premier League.

“I also have part of my family living in London and they are big West Ham fans. It just made sense for me at this stage to join West Ham,” he added.

“With the way that West Ham is going we can only look to be challenging in the top eight.”

The Hammers confirmed Fonte will not be available for Saturday’s trip to Middlesbrough.

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