Report: West Ham want to sign former player, selling club want £11.9m

West Ham United are one of the clubs interested in signing Joao Mario from Inter Milan, according to O Jogo, with the potential prospect of the former Hammers man returning to the London Stadium. 

The report suggests the Portugal international is surplus to requirements at the Serie A side, who want to sell the playmaker for around €13 million (£11.9 million). 

West Ham are mentioned as a potential suitor, with a host of other European teams interested in the 27-year-old. 

Hammers fans will remember Mario from his time at the club on loan in 2018, where he spent the second half of the season in East London. 

During his time at West Ham, the Portuguese playmaker showed glimpses of real quality but these were too fleeting. 

Since his time with the Hammers, Mario has struggled to win a consistent place in the Inter starting XI and spent last season out on loan at Russian club Lokomotiv Moscow. 

The 27-year-old could be a good signing for West Ham, but looking at it objectively the club should prioritise additions in other areas of the pitch. 

The Hammers are crying out for defensive reinforcements, while David Moyes has plenty of attacking midfielders to select from in his current squad.