Many Leeds United supporters have responded to a Twitter post from BeIN Sports correspondent Tancredi Palmeri, in which he reports the club have contacted Inter regarding midfielder Joao Mario.
As well as reporting that the Whites have made an approach for the 27-year-old, Palmeri also mentioned that Newcastle United, Valencia and Real Betis are also interested in the midfielder.
The player spent last season on loan in Russia with Lokomotiv Moscow, for whom he made 18 appearances in the league, scoring one goal and providing his teammates with four assists (via WhoScored.com).
Here is how a sample of the Elland Road faithful have responded to the update:
Seems a bit of a journeyman. New club every season and a flop at West Ham if I recall correctly. What do you think? Any good at Inter?
— Nick Stone (@nickcstoney) September 22, 2020
Noooooooooo thanks pic.twitter.com/BQA7yjIm2L
— Ryan (@WedgeCheesy) September 22, 2020
Deffo picking Leeds
— Ryan (@RyanHLUFC) September 22, 2020
No.
— Connor Ashworth (@ashworthcj) September 22, 2020
What a signing this would be https://t.co/RCu968UWEc
— (C)McLufc02 (@MLufc02) September 22, 2020
This transfer window is mental #lufc https://t.co/mOc8ddlnEp
— JakeeyDeeKay (@JakeeyDeeKay) September 22, 2020
It’s clear from the above responses that not all of these supporters would be keen to see their club make a move for the Portuguese midfielder.
According to WhoScored, Joao Mario’s average performance rating in the Russian top flight last season was a solid 7.08/10 and therefore it could be argued he is still capable of producing to a high standard over a sustained period.
In our view, despite the negativity towards any potential move from those in the replies, if Leeds were to sign the £11.7m-rated player, he may yet prove a worthwhile addition to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad.