Inter could be set for a bidding war over their on-loan midfielder Joao Mario, according to a report in the Portuguese media today.

A Bola’s print edition said Real Betis were ready to battle Sporting CP to sign the Inter loanee on a permanent deal at the end of the season.

The La Liga side are considering including William Carvalho in a deal to sign Joao Mario, a player Inter have been linked with in other reports in recent weeks.

Sporting CP intend to keep Joao Mario, who re-joined the Liga Nos on a season-long loan last summer, but they appear to have increased competition for the 28-year-old now.

Inter have already been made aware of Sporting CP’s desire to make the loan move permanent and will now need to negotiate terms.

Joao Mario has made 26 appearances in all competitions for Ruben Amorim’s side this season, scoring twice and providing two assists.