Southampton should consider a move for the Inter Milan midfielder this summer.
Southampton manager Mark Hughes needs to add some real quality to his squad this summer, if he is to guide them to an improved finish in the Premier League table this season.
The Saints were lucky not to get relegated last season, and ended up in 17th spot in the table, just three points clear of 18th placed Swansea City.
They desperately lacked a creative spark in their midfield department last season, and with this in mind, they should consider a move for Inter Milan ace Joao Mario.
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The 25-year-old spent the second half of last season on loan in the Premier League with West Ham, and impressed on the whole for the Hammers.
According to Italian media outlet Sempre Inter, Mario could be available for €30 million (£26.5 million), and if the Saints could raise the funds, he would be just perfect for Mark Hughes’ side.
The 40-capped Portugal international possesses impeccable technical ability, and his keen eye for a killer pass would undoubtedly help add a certain level of potency Southampton’s attacking play.
His creativity and guile in the final third would provide Hughes with an option that he doesn’t currently possess, and for £26.5 million, it would surely turn out to be money well spent for the Saints.
The Southampton boss might just have to sell before he can buy this summer, however.
Once the funds are raised, though, he should not hesitate to bring Mario to St Mary’s.
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