West Ham are interested in a loan swoop for Portugal international midfielder Joao Mario who is unhappy at Inter Milan, according to RMC Sport.
The French sports outlet report that West Ham have opened talks with Inter over a loan deal for the 24-year-old, who has attracted the attention of David Moyes.
RMC claim that the attacking midfielder is however not so keen on a move to the London Stadium, with the Hammers not playing European football and not likely to next season either.
Mario, who was a key member of the Euro 2016-winning Portugal squad, is the Italian giant’s second-most expensive player of all time, arriving from Sporting Lisbon on a £40million deal in the summer of 2016.
Good move for West Ham?
This would be a seriously exciting move for West Ham.
Mario really established himself on the world stage with his performances for Portugal at Euro 2016, earning his big money move to Inter after the tournament.
However, he has failed to make an impact for the Nerazzurri, making just 47 appearances so far for the club, scoring three goals and providing 12 assists.
The 24-year-old needs to be at a team where the offence can be based around him, and West Ham is certainly a place where that can happen.
This is Futbol rating: 8/10
Likely to happen?
It seems that Inter are open to an exit for Mario, and West Ham are obviously keen.
However, the issue here seems to be the player himself.
Mario is reportedly not keen to join a team without the prospect of European football, and with the Hammers lying in 11th in the Premier League, that is not likely.
Unless his stance changes, then this one looks like a non-starter.
This is Futbol rating: 3/10