If FC Inter News in Italy are to be believed, then West Ham and Inter aren’t all that far off an agreement regarding the loan of Joao Mario.
According to the website, it’s only a matter of money now, with both clubs trying to find a middle ground between their two ideas of what would constitute a good deal.
For Inter, who want some money up front, that would be a €1.5m fee straight away with West Ham then having the right to buy the Portugal international for €27.5m.
Down the Hammers’ end, David Moyes and co. would prefer a free loan with a view to buy Mario at €22.5m, using them taking on all of the midfielder’s wages for the remainder of the season as an excuse for a lower price down the line.
As for Joao Mario himself, the 25-year-old would be open to saying yes to a move to West Ham, but only if West Ham aren’t forced to buy him at the end, suggesting he’d rather have the option to return to Inter if he doesn’t like it in London.
Not the best mentality, but, then again, it isn’t surprising to see a player wanting to keep his options open down the line if he impresses on loan and attracts interest from bigger clubs.
