Jose Fonte joins Chinese club Dalian Yifang as West Ham's David Moyes insists he is planning for next season

The Portuguese international defender, who joined the club from Southampton last January, struggled to establish himself at the London Stadium

Jose Fonte has sealed a move to the Chinese Super League (West Ham United via Getty Images)

Jose Fonte has joined Chinese Super League club Dalian Yifang for an undisclosed fee from West Ham United.

The Portuguese international defender, who joined the club from Southampton last January, struggled to establish himself at the London Stadium.

Fonte did not play a single minute under David Moyes, but the Scot praised his professionalism in his press conference on Friday morning.

“I can confirm that he is close to going to China. He wants to get into the Portuguese squad for the World Cup and I wish him good luck. He’s a good professional.”

Moyes also revealed that he is planning ahead for the summer, regardless of whether he is in charge or not.

“We are planning, whether it’s me or someone else” said Moyes. “I am making those plans. We are trying to quickly get some scouts and a recruitment organisation together for the summer.

“We won’t be employing a head of recruitment before the end of the season.”

Moyes also took time to praise ‘arrogant’ forward Marko Arnautovic, saying the Austrian ‘could play for any team.’

Marko Arnautović has been in good form (Getty)

Arnautovic has found a new lease of life under Scotsman Moyes, scoring seven times and making three assists since the former Manchester United manager was appointed.

But Moyes also cautioned the former Stoke City player from taking his foot off the gas, saying he wouldn’t take it lightly:

“He has got the footballing ability, self-belief and that is needed when you’re a forward. Arrogance too,” said Moyes.

“If he doesn’t lose his focus and go back to the way he was, he could play for any team. Long may that continue. If I think he’s stepping back to what he was then I won’t be having any of it.”

Manuel Lanzini is close to making his return (Getty)

Arnautovic will need to be on top form tomorrow as West Ham travel to Merseyside to face Jurgen Klopp’s in-form Liverpool.

The Reds come into the game following a nine day break during which they travelled to Marbella for some warm weather training.

But Moyes revealed that Manuel Lanzini is back in contention to feature at Anfield after a month out with a hamstring injury:

“We’ve got a lot of players back training. We’re without the long termers Carroll, Obiang and Fernandes but in the main we’re close to getting the players back.

“Lanzini is back training, he’s running around and hopefully that’s him fit for the rest of the season. It’s a decision we will take tomorrow.

“Reid is back and will be part of the squad too.”