Everton have made initial contact as they plot a move to sign Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario, according to Gazza Mercato.
The Italian football website reports that the Toffees are keen on landing the signature of the 25-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at fellow Premier League club West Ham under former boss David Moyes.
The Portuguese international was knocked out of the World Cup by Uruguay after a 2-1 defeat, and netted two goals and provided six assists for the Hammers during the 2017/2018 campaign, with the Serie A outfit said to value their attacker at around £22million (€25million).
Good move for Everton?
No, not really. Mario hardly made an impact on his loan spell at the East London-based outfit, and it is difficult to see why the club are reportedly interested in signing him.
His goal tally operating as an attacking midfielder is below what should be expected of a player in that position, and he would not contribute anything to the club in regards to both his goal and assist count.
If Everton do end up signing the Inter Milan winger again, it may end up being a huge mistake.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10
Likely to happen?
Not really. Everton have only reportedly registered their interest in signing Mario, and no negotiations or talks have actually taken place.
Inter Milan have valued the player too highly, and this valuation will surely put the Toffees off making any offer for their player.
Mario is not worth the money Inter are asking based on his statistics last season, and it is likely that Everton will not make any move for him.
If he was valued at a lower fee, than they may have considered a move.
This is Futbol rating: 4/10