FORMER Saints captain Jose Fonte is without a club after his contract at Chinese outfit Dalian Yifang was terminated early.

The 34-year-old left Saints last January, after seven years at St Mary’s, in an £8m switch to West Ham.

A year later, after struggling with the Hammers, he was sold to Dalian in a £5m deal, in February.

But his Far East adventure is now over and is a free agent after his contract was terminated, having played just nine times in all competitions in China.

“My time in Dalian and Chinese Super League comes to an END,” he wrote in an Instagram post.

“I would like to say a BIG THANK YOU to everyone i [sic] met and made friendships along the way!

“UNFORGETTABLE experience and I’m blessed to have been treated in the best way by everyone!!!

“Im [sic] forever grateful to all Dalian fans and to The [sic] great country of China I hope I left something good at least I tried my very best !!!

“Once again THANK YOU and all the success.”

His time in China included Dalian conceding eight goals on his debut. He never won a Chinese Super League game.

The Portugal international, who played all four of his country's World Cup matches as they made the last 16, is said to be keen on a return to the Premier League.