The Athletic’s Roshane Thomas has recently made a claim regarding West Ham United’s reported interest in signing Joao Mario.
According to a recent report by O Jogo, as cited by TalkSPORT, the Hammers are one of three Premier League clubs keen on signing the midfielder from Inter.
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Alongside the Irons, Steve Bruce’s Newcastle United and Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United were also touted to be interested.
It is claimed that after the Portuguese middleman spent last season on loan with Lokomotiv Moscow, the Russian side were not willing to pay the €13m (£11.9m) that Inter were asking for to sign him permanently.
In the latest episode of The Athletic’s U Irons podcast, Thomas discussed the transfer link between the Irons and Joao Mario.
He said: “That’s paper talk at the minute, because we’ve been linked to everyone under the sun.
“So, nothing concrete in terms of an offer for the player yet, but as you mentioned, [he’s] someone who did do well at West Ham previously – someone who could perhaps, if it were to materialise, replace [Pablo] Fornals in that role [on the left side of midfield].
“So, definitely one to look out for, but no offers whatsoever.”
TIF Thoughts…
As can be seen in what the journalist had to say, the transfer link is “one to look out for” but there is “nothing concrete” in it just yet.
Would you be happy if West Ham signed Joao Mario?
No, he's not that good
Yes, he's a good player
Thomas also mentioned the period which the Portuguese midfielder spent on loan with the Hammers in the second half of the 2017/18 season.
During his time with West Ham, the player made 13 Premier League appearances, in which he delivered a relatively solid 6.74/10 average rating (per WhoScored).
So, perhaps he could be a fairly solid purchase if the transfer rumour did end up coming to fruition.