West Ham United are set to sign Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario.
West Ham United boss David Moyes has told the London Evening Standard that a deal for Inter Milan’s Joao Mario is on the verge of completion – but Andre Ayew won’t be leaving just yet.
The Hammers drew 1-1 with Bournemouth over the weekend to make it just one defeat in the last nine games under Moyes, and they will be hoping to continue to push clear of the relegation zone.
A new midfielder has been a priority for Moyes this month, given that Mark Noble, Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate need some competition, with a more creative option pursued.
Now, West Ham are on the verge of signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan, in a loan deal until the end of the season with a view to a £26million permanent move.
Sky Sports report that Mario has been in London today for a medical with West Ham, handing Moyes something of a coup given the midfielder’s reputation in Europe.
The 25-year-old was a star for Sporting and Portugal before heading to Inter Milan in 2016, and whilst he impressed last season, first-team football has been harder to come by this term.
Mario is now heading to West Ham, and Moyes has told the London Evening Standard that the reports are true, and Mario’s move will confirmed imminently.
“Your sources are correct. It is a loan, we I’ll be able to tell you more once it’s done,” said Moyes.
Whilst Mario is incoming, West Ham ace Andre Ayew has been linked with a return to Swansea City, and Moyes added that a bid has been remained, but is currently unacceptable.
“I never said we want anyone to go. If someone comes up we will look at it but as far as I am concerned, no-one is going. I think there has been an offer [for Ayew] but we wouldn’t accept the current bid as it is,” he added.
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