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Italian press claims Tottenham scouted Joao Mario during his time at West Ham

Mauricio Pochettino manager (Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
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Joao Mario spent last season in the Premier League with West Ham United but could he play for Tottenham Hotspur next season?

Joao Mario of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on March 31, 2018 in...

This is one of the most intriguing transfer rumours of the summer so far.

It is well known that Inter Milan would love to sign Mousa Dembele from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. What they don’t want, however, is to pay £26 million for a 30-year-old who has just one year left on his contract.

So Tuttosport claim that Inter will offer Joao Mario to Spurs as a makeweight in the deal for the Belgian international. But would Tottenham be keen to sign a player who spent the second half of last season on loan at London rivals West Ham United?

Joao Mario of FC Internazionale in action during the Serie A match between SSC Napoli and FC Internazionale at Stadio San Paolo on October 21, 2017 in Naples, Italy.

It seems that they are. According to Sempre Inter, Spurs are indeed keen on the Portuguese international and have even been watching him ever since he arrived in the Premier League with West Ham five months ago.

25-year-old Mario impressed in England, scoring twice in 12 starts with the Hammers while showcasing the balance and vision that encouraged Inter to pay £38 million for him after he won Euro 2016 with Portugal.

Portugal's defender Pepe (L), Portugal's defender Fonte, Portugal's midfielder Joao Moutinho and Portugal's midfielder Joao Mario  (R) celebrate as they arrive to collect the winners'...

And it is understood that Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino believes Mario would fit nicely into his system, which relies heavily on creativity and the interchanging of positions in the centre of the park.