Sporting CP want to sign Joao Mario on a permanent deal from Inter, according to a Portuguese media report today.
As per O Jogo, Sporting CP bosses have been impressed by the Portuguese midfielder’s excellent performances in the Primeira Liga upon his return to the club, after the 28-year-old joined a season-long loan from the Nerazzurri last summer.
Sporting CP president Frederico Varandas has every intention of keeping the Joao Mario at the Estádio José Alvalade, although the report warns it will be difficult considering they are only currently paying €1 million of his €2.7 million annual salary.
Joao Mario is under contract with Inter until the end of next season but has no future at the club, having very seldom performed to expectations since his arrival on a reported €40 million deal during the summer of 2016.
During his loan spell with Sporting CP, Joao Mario has made 18 appearances across all competitions to date, in which he has scored one goal and provided a single assist.
