Top 5: Premier League stars to swap top-flight clubs in January

Jose Fonte

Southampton could be in real defensive trouble after this transfer window with both Jose Fonte and Virgil van Dijk supposedly subject to moves away from the club.

Both will impact the club massively, but losing their captain could be detrimental to their season and with the 33-year-old now handing in a transfer request, the defender could soon be on his way out of St. Mary’s.

He was left out of The Saints side against Norwich City in the FA Cup at the weekend, but boss Puel has refused to rule out selecting the Portuguese international in the near future.

Having established himself as one of the Premier League’s top centre-backs, Fonte is now beginning to explore his options with 18 months left on his current deal, with Crystal Palace, Everton and West Ham United all monitoring his situation closely.

The Southampton defender is well known for his consistency and leadership on the pitch and after winning Euro 2016 over the summer with Portugal – as well as making almost 300 appearances with The Saints – the former Benfica player might be ready for his next top-flight chapter.