Sporting Lisbon have made Joao Mario their first-choice transfer target in midfield, according to FcInterNews.it.
Inter want to sell the Portugal international on a permanent deal, whereas Mario’s former club have only offered a loan with an option to buy.
Sporting are at least prepared to pay the remaining €2.2 million of Joao Mario’s annual salary (worth €2.7 million), with the Nerazzurri having already taken care of the first two months.
The clubs are thought to be on good terms and this could facilitate an agreement for the 26-year-old to return to Lisbon.
Inter have taken advantage of Sporting’s interest for Mario to make an approach for their own midfielder Bruno Fernandes.
The former Sampdoria and Udinese man was linked with a move to Manchester United all summer but never completed a deal with the Premier League giants.
Beppe Marotta once attempted to sign Fernandes at Juventus while Piero Ausilio is also a huge admirer.
Inter are known to be looking for a central midfielder who can score goals and the 24-year-old would appear to fit that profile.
