Jack Stephens last night staked his claim to fill the boots of Jose Fonte with Saints boss Claude Puel admitting there is an “opportunity” the skipper could leave the club in the coming days.

Fonte has made it clear he wishes to quit St Mary’s and is not being played this month with his future up in the air.

England under-21 international Stephens was handed the chance to impress at centre half last night, and kept a clean sheet as Saints progressed to the FA Cup fourth round with a 1-0 win in their replay against Norwich at St Mary’s.

West Ham are supposedly poised to bid for Fonte, and Puel said: “I cannot comment on other things about Jose.

“I think he has some opportunity, for Southampton is the same, and we will see if Jose leaves Southampton or not. We will see in the next days.”

Without Fonte, Saints will have Maya Yoshida and Virgil van Dijk as experienced centre half options, with Stephens seemingly the next in line.

Forgotten man Florin Gardos was on the bench for the third round replay last night, but has been out of action for almost two years.

Puel was pleased with how Stephens did, and when asked if the youngster was ready to take over from Fonte, replied: “We will see this, but it was important to try Stephens in this game.

“He played two games at right back and it was important he start in his first position, centre back.

“He is an international under-21 player, and it’s important to see him and I am happy he stayed with a clean sheet, with good concentration.

“This game seems easy to play behind because the opponent didn’t have chances, but it is always hard because the situation needs to keep the good concentration and keep the counter attack of the opponent.

“It was good work from Yoshida and Stephens because it is important to keep the good concentration.

“To keep a clean sheet without chances for opponent is always important.”

Puel made Yoshida captain for the Norwich tie and reflected: “Maya made a very good season, interesting every moment, giving satisfaction and good concentration, winning duels, and he made progress since the beginning of the season.

“With all the young players around him it was important to give him the captain to give him confidence and it’s a good deserved for him for his good spirit.”