Benfica sporting director and Serie A legend Manuel Rui Costa met Inter yesterday as the Portuguese side seem close to signing Joao Mario.

Joao Mario, 28, spent the last season on loan at Sporting CP, but is now close to finalising a permanent move to their arch-rivals Benfica.

According to several reports, including those of Sky Sport Italia and Calciomercato.com, Rui Costa and the player’s agent Federico Pastorello met Inter directors in Milan yesterday.

The two clubs are close to reaching an agreement over the transfer of the 28-year-old who can leave the Serie A giants for €7.5m.

Pastorello had lunch with Rui Costa in Milan before meeting Inter’s directors at the club’s headquarters.

According to reports in Italy and Portugal, Sporting CP could sue Inter if Joao Mario completes a permanent move to Benfica.

Their agreement for the player’s loan move one year ago, in fact, reportedly came with a clause that prevented Inter from selling the player to any domestic rival of Sporting.

However, the Serie A giants believe the clause was only necessary to inform Sporting about any bid received, giving them the chance to match the offer.

Sporting CP could sue Inter over Joao Mario

 

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