David Moyes’s West Ham United signed Joao Mario on loan from Inter Milan in the January transfer window.
The former Everton and Manchester United has been impressed with the gradual improvement of Mario, who joined West Ham on loan from Italian club Inter in the January transfer window.
Moyes, though, has suggested that he wants the 25-year-old midfielder to score more and provide more assists.
The Portugal international midfielder has scored one goal and provided one assist in eight Premier League appearances for West Ham.
Moyes wrote in The London Evening Standard about Mario: “There has been a gradual improvement in his performances as a result of him being a bit more settled, getting to know the culture of our football and what is required in the games.
“We want him to improve in his assists and score more and that would be the only criticism of him against Stoke.”
Permanent deal?
Mario has indeed progressed and improved in recent weeks, and one should not be surprised if West Ham decide to keep him at the London Stadium beyond the summer.
West Ham, though, could have to cough up a lot of cash if they want to make the Portugal international midfielder’s loan deal permanent.
According to Calciomercato.com, Inter want €28 million (£24.56m) in order to sell Mario.
West Ham will face London rivals Arsenal away from home at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League this afternoon.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
