Sporting Lisbon want to resign Joao Mario from Inter on a loan deal, according to O Jogo.
The Portuguese giants would only be able to bring the midfielder back at the end of the transfer window, because both clubs have other priorities at present.
Bruno Fernandes unexpectedly staying has made a move for Mario less urgent, but Sporting are hoping all the other options for the 26-year-old fall through.
A deal for Mario is expected to cost them €3 million, but the club need to decrease the cost of their wage bill before they can open talks.
Inter need to offload the Portugal international before chasing another midfield signing in the final fortnight of the transfer window.
Sergej Milinkovic-Savic and Arturo Vidal are the two names being linked to the Nerazzurri most frequently, despite both appearing to be difficult targets.
Antonio Conte reportedly wants a right-sided central midfielder who can provide physicality and a healthy contribution of goals.
Both players would appear to fit that bill, but it remains to be seen how willing Lazio and Barcelona will be to negotiate with Inter.
