CLAUDE Puel believes that Jose Fonte’s situation has been a burden on his Saints team throughout this season.

The circumstances surrounding the captain’s future have taken many turns since last summer, and have culminated in Fonte rejecting pay rises and contract extensions as he eyes the St Mary’s exit door.

The unsettled 33-year-old, who has been told he won't play for Saints while his future is in doubt, has agitated for a move away for some time, which Puel believes has been a weight the squad has had to carry.

The Portuguese international, who is an influential character in the Saints dressing room, has been heavily linked with a move to either West Ham or West Bromwich Albion in the January transfer window.

"This situation with Jose is difficult for the squad," he said. "It’s difficult for him also.

"It’s not just about this market, it’s been since the beginning of the season.

"It’s been a difficult situation for Jose because always discussions with the club about contracts or no contracts.

"This is sometimes difficult for the squad.

"I took a decision at the beginning of this window market to keep Jose out the team, to study different possibilities and to protect the team of all this speculation about Jose.

"With all this many games it’s important to keep focused about our game, not just on the situation of Jose.

"It’s difficult, but the squad can take the responsibilities."