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Jose Fonte has rejected Manchester United’s call after holding clear-the-air talks with Southampton bosses.

Old Trafford chief Jose Mourinho was eager to boost the heart of United’s defence with Portuguese countryman Fonte and was lining up an £8million bid.

But after a meeting with the Saints' director of football Les Reed and chairman Ralph Krueger, Fonte will stay at St Mary’s with a huge pay rise from £45,000 a week to £70,000.

Manager Claude Puel said: “The situation of Jose is now finished and he is back to normal.

"Jose is now concentrating just on his football and his team. He had a good discussion with the director of football, with the chairman and now everything is all OK.

In pictures — Southampton lose to Man United at Old Trafford:

“For Jose it was important for us, for me, to keep him in the squad because he is a good personality, a good professional and has good leadership qualities.

“It was important to listen to Jose and understand his position and have time to speak – but now is the time to play and there is no problem with this.”

Saints have qualified for the Europa League for the first time and will learn their group stage opponents when the draw is made on Friday.