Transfer round-up: Manchester United still considering Jose Fonte while Arsenal turn to Kostas Manolas

All the latest transfer news and gossip on Wednesday 24 August

Manchester United are still reportedly considering Jose Fonte (Getty)

Jose Mourinho may have completed the bulk of the business this transfer window but there is still interest in Southampton defender Jose Fonte. Mourinho is keen to add an experienced centre-back to his squad and the club are willing to wait until deadline day in a bid to test Southampton’s resolve.

But while United have been linked with Fonte for much of summer, the impressive starts enjoyed by both Eric Bailly and Daley Blind has convinced Mourinho that the 32-year-old may no longer be a crucial requirement for the club, reports the Manchester Evening News.

Arsenal are continuing their own search for a centre-back as they move to consider Roma defender Kostas Manolas. According to the Daily Mail, an Arsenal scout attended Roma’s Champions League qualifier against Porto on Tuesday evening with the intention of watching the Greece international.

The Gunners’ search for a centre-back has now reached crisis point, more so after Valencia recently declared that target Shkodran Mustafi was not for sale.

Meanwhile at Anfield, Liverpool are prepared to send Mamadou Sakho on loan before the end of the transfer window in a bid to boost the French defender’s fitness, the Daily Telegraph reports.

Sakho has not played since being banned for failing a drugs test (a suspension later lifted after being exonerated by UEFA). To make matters worse, the Frenchman was also sent home early from the club’s pre-season tour of America by manager Jurgen Klopp due to disciplinary reasons.

Chelsea and Arsenal are still reportedly interested in signing Real Madrid midfielder James Rodriguez. That is according to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo at least.

However, the paper has claimed that the Blues are the more hesitant of the two to enter into talks with Real in case the Spaniards start pursuing Eden Hazard as part of an exchange deal.

Everton manager Ronald Koeman has made a £1.25m move for Southampton right-back Cuco Martina, the Daily Mail has claimed.

The Toffees’ boss wants to provide Seamus Coleman with competition and has already seen what Martina is capable of having managed him during his time at Southampton. But the 26-year-old has barely figured in the plans of new Saints boss Claude Puel and could be tempted by the prospect of a reunion with his former manager.

Chelsea are expected to return with an increased offer of £34m for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli. suggests the Daily Mail.

The Blues were told on Monday that the player is not for sale but are hoping that the new deal, which includes a further £4m in add-ons, will be enough to convince the Italian to make the switch to Stamford Bridge as Antonio Conte grows increasingly frustrated in the club’s pursuit of a new defender.