Inter’s desire to land Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario has not diminished. Yesterday, the player’s agent, Kia Joorabchian, was at the news conference to unveil the clubs new coach Frank de Boer before attending the training session later in the afternoon. Inter are prepared to up their bid for the 23-year-old to €45 million plus €5 million bonus and there are signs that his current employers may be considering a sale.
 

According to reports in Record, Sporting Lisbon would be prepared to let the player go for an offer of this magnitude; the clause in his contract stipulates €60 million but with a difference of just €10 million, the issue could be resolved. The new offer from Inter has not been officially presented but Joorabchian could head back to Lisbon today to make the club aware and to find out exactly what Sporting’s intentions are. Inter are planning a major swoop to gift to new boss de Boer who in turn, has asked for seven days to assess the current squad.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler