New Southampton head coach Claude Puel is confident captain Jose Fonte will stay at the club, despite reported interest from Manchester United.
The 32-year-old defender was part of the Portugal team that won Euro 2016 this summer and has since been linked in the national press with a move to Old Trafford, with compatriot Jose Mourinho now in charge of United.
Puel, who was announced as Ronald Koeman's successor in June following the Dutchman's move to Everton, insists Fonte is an important part of his plans at St Mary's ahead of the new season.
He said: "I do not think there is a possibility for Jose to leave us. I am sure that he can play all these games, he is very proficient.
"When I see him on the pitch he is interesting, very professional and he has a good attitude.
"(Fonte has) re-joined in training. I do not know if he will start the game (on Saturday) but we will see.
"The market window is difficult for the club and the players but it is very important for the team.
"Many clubs can be interested in players that is normal."
Talking about the Euro 2016 success of both Fonte and his fellow Southampton defender Cedric Soares, Puel said: "(When they came back from the Euros) there was a lot of congratulations because it is important.
"It is fantastic, two players of Southampton played in that team and won.
"It is very important to keep the confidence on them. They can share their confidence with the others."
Southampton begin their Premier League campaign on Saturday against a Watford team, who have also made a number of changes over the summer, including bringing Walter Mazzarri to the club as the new manager.
Puel added: "It is an exciting moment for me and it is the same for the players. It is the first game. It is always a special day.
"It is important for the players and the fans. Watford has a new manager and new players. It will be a challenge, they can play in different systems and can challenge with defenders.
"They have different possibilities but I will concentrate on us, it is more important for us to stay in possession."