Sunderland ‘in talks’ with Jose Fonte over coaching role | OneFootball

Sunderland are in talks with Jose Fonte about joining Régis Le Bris’ coaching staff, The Sun first reported.

Discussions are ongoing and progressing, but nothing has been finalised.

The former West Ham defender retired in May after 882 senior appearances and winning Euro 2016 with Portugal. At 42, he could add significant Premier League and international experience if an agreement is reached.

Le Bris’ squad returned for pre-season training at the Academy of Light on Thursday. Fonte was not present at the session.

Best known in England for a seven-year spell at Southampton, he helped the Saints climb from League One to the Premier League. He joined from Crystal Palace in 2010 and made almost 300 appearances.

His arrival would add to Le Bris’ backroom team as Sunderland prepare for domestic and European football. Fonte is understood to be ready to step into coaching, but no appointment has been confirmed.

Source: Sunderland Echo