According to a report by Portuguese outlet O Jogo, Newcastle United have recently enquired about a move for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario along with Leeds United and West Ham, with the Magpies now eyeing further additions ahead of a hectic 2020/21 Premier League season.
Mario, who has experience in England already after spending the 2017/18 season on loan with the Hammers, is now reigniting interest from a trio of Premier League clubs who are keen to bring him back.
Indeed, as well as his former club, both Newcastle and Leeds have reportedly made enquiries over his signature, and Mario is reportedly valued at around £11.7m by Inter as they seek to offload a player who is surplus to requirements at the San Siro.
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The 27-year-old spent last campaign on loan at Lokomotiv Moscow, and Inter could seemingly be looking for a permanent buyer to take him off their hands.
Even though the 46-cap Portugal international’s performances for West Ham were not enough to entice the club into buying him in 2018, Newcastle are now among the clubs considering a move.
Their former manager Rafael Benitez could have even made him a Magpies player in previous years, with a past report from Inter Live claiming that Newcastle were offered the chance to snap him up back in 2019 for £17m.
However, as per O Jogo, the Serie A club’s valuation appears to have dropped by more than £5m, potentially highlighting the notion that it was wise to wait.
Former Premier League defender Pablo Zabaleta, who played alongside Mario at London Stadium, once hailed his ‘outstanding quality‘, and now Newcastle are allegedly reconsidering an approach as Steve Bruce looks to strengthen in all areas.
Magpies, should Newcastle take advantage of Joao Mario’s price drop? Have your say in the comments below…
