Sporting CP want to exploit Inter’s financial woes to secure a better deal for Joao Mario, according to a report in Portugal today.
O Jogo’s print edition said the Liga NOS champions were hoping they could persuade the Nerazzurri to lower their initial asking price of €10 million.
Sporting CP offered €7 million to Inter when the clubs first began talks, but Inter immediately rejected the bid and referred them to the previously agreed price tag.
However, Sporting CP are hoping they can put pressure on Inter and make use of their financial problems to get more favourable terms for the 28-year-old.
Joao Mario has enjoyed a successful season back on loan at his former club and the midfielder is very much keen to re-sign for Sporting CP on a permanent deal, the report added.
He has made 33 appearances for Ruben Amorim’s side, scoring twice and providing two assists as Sporting CP won their first league title since 2002.