Everton could miss out on another target after rivals offer star improved contract - report

By Harvey Byrne

Southampton captain Jose Fonte will be rewarded with an improved contract by the club amid interest from Everton and Manchester United, according to a report.

Hampshire publication the Daily Echo claims that the 32-year-old is to be offered a new deal for his commitment and leadership that will bring him back in line with the club’s top earners.

The Sun claimed on Monday that former Saints boss Ronald Koeman has turned his attention to the Euro 2016 winner, as it emerged that John Stones is expected to join Manchester City for £50million later this week.

However, Southampton are keen to keep hold of their long-serving star and they are eager to ensure they don't lose another key individual to their divisional rivals this summer.

The Toffees have already failed to secure one target from Southampton this summer, after striker Graziano Pelle decided to move to China and agreed a mega-money deal.

The Goodison Park club have also missed out on target Marko Arnoutovic, who agreed to extend his contract at Stoke, while The Sun have claimed that the Toffees will also miss out on Gylfi Sigurdsson, as he is set to snub an Everton approach and prolong his contract at the Liberty Stadium.

Since moving to Merseyside earlier this summer Koeman has struggled to complete deals for his targets and the Dutch manager has made just one senior signing in goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg.

In other Everton transfer news, the Toffees have launched a move to take former Arsenal number one Wojciech Szczesny on a season-long loan deal.