Joao Mario is finally on the verge of leaving Inter after completing a medical with Lokomotiv Moscow this morning, according to Sky Sport.

The midfielder will join the Russian side on loan with an option to buy for €18 million, having sorted the final details with the Nerazzurri yesterday.

Lokomotiv will cover Mario’s €3.5 million annual salary in full, helping Inter free up space for another signing in midfield before Monday’s transfer deadline.

Mario arrived in Russia with a private jet last night and will put pen to paper on his new contract later today.

Inter left Mario out of their match-day squad yesterday for their 4-0 win at home to Lecce.

Antonio Conte does not consider the Portugal international to be part of his plans and is hoping Inter can replace him with a more high-profile name.

Mario has made 69 appearances in all competitions for Inter, scoring just four times since joining from Sporting Lisbon in 2016.

He joined West Ham on a six-month loan spell in 2018, before returning to Italy for the start of last season.