Inter could use Joao Mario on loan to lower Tottenham Hotspur’s asking price for Mousa Dembele.
The Nerazzurri have set their sights on Spurs veteran Dembele, who turns 31 next month and whose contract expires in June 2019.
Their initial offer of €10m was rejected out of hand, as the Premier League side want closer to €30m.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter could try to smooth over the cracks by including Joao Mario on loan with option to buy as part of the deal.
Inter could use Joao Mario on loan to lower Tottenham Hotspur’s asking price for Mousa Dembele.
The Nerazzurri have set their sights on Spurs veteran Dembele, who turns 31 next month and whose contract expires in June 2019.
Their initial offer of €10m was rejected out of hand, as the Premier League side want closer to €30m.
According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter could try to smooth over the cracks by including Joao Mario on loan with option to buy as part of the deal.
The 25-year-old Portugal international was signed from Sporting CP in 2016 for €40m plus bonuses, but made very little impact in Serie A.
He was loaned out to West Ham United in January and impressed in the Premier League, contributing two goals and an assist in 13 games.
Joao Mario is eager to remain in London, so Tottenham would resolve the issue.