West Ham boss David Moyes would be keen to add on loan Joao Mario to the Irons squad this summer but at nothing like the £38 million wanted by Inter Milan.
The club came in for some criticism criticism for not agreeing a permanent option in the deal when the midfielder arrived in the winter window
But the Inter asking price of £38 million was always considered way to high by the club who decided to take a long look at the midfielder before committing themselves to such a price.
Since his arrival Mario has made four Premier League appearances and whilst looking neat and tidy has yet to convince that he carries the value that Inter have placed on him.
Moyes is desperate for midfielders in the summer but would probably be reluctant to pay much more than £15 million for the Portuguese player based on current performances.
He is known to be tracking several midfielders but Mario is in pole position to impress although £38 million certainly looks to be a pie in the sky figure.
Neat and tidy is about the strength of it.
Of course, if he raises his game to be more than that, then the ridiculous price could become more justifiable.
If he is not kept on then there is more chance Holland or Browne could get a look in next season, or that one of the other midfield targets could be brought in.
It’s not going to be decided till the end of the season, by which time Mario would have either upped his game, or gone home.
Looks a little lightweight to me, but who knows, he has time to show what he can do.
exactly
Needs to up his game big time to justify that price, judge him at the end of the season, depends who our manager is.
Needs time to settle in to the pace of the PL. Imho he will become good & if we could get him at a sensible price he would be great signing.