Saints star Jose Fonte hands in transfer request

Southampton captain Jose Fonte has handed in a transfer request.

The central defender has asked to leave having chosen not to sign the new contract he had been offered.

Despite suggestions Southampton were prepared only to give Fonte an increased salary and not a lengthier term, the club are adamant he has rejected a 12-month extension to the present one he signed in October 2015 and which expires in 18 months.