The 33-year-old has only 18 months left to run on his current contract, but has rejected several approaches from Southampton to extend that deal.
SOUTHAMPTON, United Kingdom, Jan 6- Southampton captain Jose Fonte has asked to leave the club after turning down a contract offer with the Premier League side.
Fonte has made almost 300 appearances for the Saints after joining them from Crystal Palace seven years ago.
The 33-year-old has only 18 months left to run on his current contract, but has rejected several approaches from Southampton to extend that deal.
Director of football Les Reed confirmed that Fonte – who was linked with Manchester United during the summer – has now submitted a transfer request.
“He’s had several opportunities to improve the contract situation. He’s reserved his right not to do that,” Reed told the BBC.
“He’s made it very clear he would like to explore the opportunities for a transfer.
“That’s where we are at the moment, Jose wants to leave the club. He’s formally asked for a transfer.
“He has turned down the opportunity to increase his salary, and he’s turned down the opportunity to get another permanent year on his contract.”
