According to RMC Sport, West Ham United have opened talks with Inter Milan over a potential January move for Portugal international Joao Mario.
What’s the story?
West Ham continue to be linked with a number of potential signings, and it promises to be a busy end to the January transfer market for the London club.
A new central midfielder is expected to arrive, with the likes of Jonjo Shelvey and Joe Allen previously credited when it comes to potential signings.
However, according to RMC Sport, West Ham are currently in talks with Inter over a potential loan move for Mario, who is currently out of favour at his Serie A club.
Arsenal and Manchester United have both previously been linked with the Portuguese, but it appears that the current Premier League interest is coming from West Ham.
Would Mario fit in at the London Stadium?
In terms of signings that would excite the supporters, this one certainly fits the bill.
Mario, who is still only 24 years of age, scored 14 times in 75 appearances for Sporting Lisbon before making the move to Inter in the summer of 2016.
The versatile attacker scored three times in 32 appearances in all competitions last season, but has struggled for consistency at the San Siro this term.
Mario, who is valued at £23.4m by transfermarkt.co.uk, has made 14 Serie A appearances during the 2017-18 campaign, although he has found it difficult to secure a regular role.
It is thought that West Ham are trying to sign the Portugal international on loan until the end of the season, and it would be some coup if they managed to pull it off.
The fact that Mario is capable of operating in a number of different positions makes him an attractive opposition, and he is the type of character that could thrive in London.
A lot of things would have to happen for West Ham to seal this deal, but talk of the Euro 2016 winner arriving at the London Stadium is certainly an exciting thought for the fans.
