West Ham ‘agree’ Joao Mario loan deal with option to buy the Inter Milan midfielder

WEST HAM have reportedly agreed a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario - with an option to buy the Portugal star in the summer.

The Portugal star is thought to have rebuffed the Hammers earlier this month but wants regular football ahead of the World Cup.

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Sky Sports and Guardian journalist Fabrizio Romano tonight reported that the 25-year-old will "sign soon" for David Moyes' resurgent side.

Former Sporting Lisbon hero Mario had hoped to win back his place at Inter.

But now he seems to have accepted he has little chance of that under Luciano Spalletti's management, especially as Inter have signed Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rafinha on loan.

We reported yesterday that West Ham were willing to pay Mario's full wages play £1.3million to keep him for the season, then £26m to make the deal permanent.

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Inter are thought to have wanted £2.2m for the loan but that is unlikley to be a major stumbling block as both clubs are keen to tie up the move quickly.

Romano tweeted: "Agreement reached for Joao Mario to West Ham. Loan + buy option from Inter. Talks started between #WHUFC and Joao to complete his contract, and to sign soon."

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The Hammers have also been chasing Republic of Ireland midfielder Harry Arter but have so far been reluctant to accept Bournemouth's £15m valuation.

Meanwhile, Inter are being linked with the Hammers' Spanish midfielder Pedro Obiang, on loan with a view to a permanent switch.

Liverpool striker Daniel Sturridge, just a fringe man now under Jurgen Klopp, is another Premier League star being monitored by Inter.

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But Inter are thought to have wanted £2.2m for the loan.

Mario's hopes of playing a key role at Inter have been further dented by the arrival of Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Rafinaha until the summer.

And tonight Romano tweeted: "Agreement reached for Joao Mario to West Ham. Loan + buy option from Inter. Talks started between #WHUFC ansd Joao to complete his contract, and to sign soon."

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