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3 ideal Premier League destinations for this former Southampton star including Newcastle United

3 ideal Premier League destinations for Jose Fonte

As per reports, Portugal international Jose Fonte has left Chinese club Dalian Yifang by mutual consent and is keen on a Premier League return.

Fonte, 34, left West Ham to join the Chinese Super League side in February. He made just nine appearances in all competitions for Dalian Yifang before his contract was terminated.

The Portugal international, who played all four of his country’s World Cup matches as they made the last 16, is now a free agent.

A former Sporting CP youth, Fonte has also played for Felgueiras, Vitoria Setubal, Benfica, Crystal Palace, Southampton and West Ham.

Now that Fonte is available on a free transfer and is keen on a Premier League move, here are three ideal destinations for him.

Burnley

Much of the success of Sean Dyche’s side this past season in the English top-flight has been built on a solid defence.

Jose Fonte

Following Burnley’s seventh-place finish last season, Dyche’s men will be playing in Europe. They have a decent squad but would need few reinforcements to have a squad capable of competing in Europa League.

As Dyche puts emphasis on having a strong defence, a player in the mould of Jose Fonte would be a wonderful addition. While Fonte is not getting any younger and struggled for form in China, he was always an effective presence with Southampton.

Newcastle United

Rafael Benitez has been operating on a shoestring budget ever since he took charge of Newcastle United and the situation won’t change this summer either. With the Magpies low on funds, a move for Jose Fonte looks like a good opportunity.

A highly experienced defender, Fonte ticks all the boxes to be a Newcastle player. He may be a veteran but is available on a free transfer, which is certain to appeal to owner Mike Ashley.

Jose Fonte

However, should Fonte make a move to Tyneside, he would be deemed as a back-up to skipper Jamaal Lascelles and Florian Lejeune.

Read more: Why Wolves signing this 25-year-old Portuguese sensation could be a huge statement of intent

Wolverhampton Wanderers

A move to Premier League new boys Wolverhampton Wanderers seems to be a good choice for Jose Fonte and with his agent being Jorge Mendes, it won’t be a surprise to see the defender end up at Molineux.

Fonte had a decent World Cup though Portugal crashed out in the round of 16 against Uruguay and would be an excellent short-term fix for Wolves. The 34-year-old is past his prime but his experience and international pedigree could come in handy for Nuno Espirito Santo’s side in the upcoming season.