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Crystal Palace keen on West Ham United defender Jose Fonte - sources

West Ham United defender Jose Fonte is being lined up for a return to his former club Crystal Palace, sources close to the Hammers have told ESPN FC.

Fonte joined West Ham from Southampton in January, but they are ready to let him move on.

The Portugal international, who spent three seasons at Palace from 2007, has struggled to make an impact at the London Stadium.

He has started just one Premier League game this season, against Southampton, when he conceded a penalty in a 3-2 defeat.

Fonte was left on the bench for Saturday's defeat at Newcastle United and that has alerted Palace, who are looking to bolster their central defensive options before the window closes.

The south Londoners have endured a tough start to the season, losing all three of their Premier League games and conceding six goals without scoring.

Manager Frank de Boer is determined to bring in new faces and could now move for Fonte.