FONTE'S VIEWPOINT ON HIS CONTRACT, EUROPE AND ROTATION

For Fonte to say an increase in pay is not a contract offer is a joke.  He or his agent have clearly been angling for a move and suspect a move to Everton is in the offing, at least club have had time to sort out a replacement. His performances this season have been average.

It reads as though he is looking for an exit reason/excuse. I guess when you're 33, you've gotta try and maximise the earnings.

That said, he's probably made more money this calendar year, than I have in the past 20.

I am sure we will miss him in defence but don't think he ever made the ideal captain

I am less fussed about him going so long as we have a replacement lined up, and not relying on Gardos or Yoshi. Yoshi has been decent this year but is not a top class defender, his distribution can be poor and doesn't impose himself but always reliable and gives his best with no ego so as cover for injuries suspensions is fine. Gardos I am of, a lot of injuries which has to be a worry and has not experienced really the premiership so bringing in now as replacement for Fonte would be a major gamble. Lots of talk about Wimmer from spuds so long as we don't get ripped off but suspect Levy will not be wanting to spend much on players with new ground so may look to offload those not in first team so a possibility