West Ham dealt blow as £40million-rated midfielder opts against loan deal

West Ham’s chances of landing Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario have taken a huge hit, as the player has turned down the offer to join them on loan till the end of the campaign.

The Portugal international has started just 5 Serie A games this term, and he is more than keen to leave in order to find regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.

Inter are willing to let Mario leave for the Premier League till summer, and wouldn’t mind sanctioning a deal to the London Stadium in order to get the best out of the 24-year-old they bought for £40million 2 summers ago.

However, a move should be ruled out as he has eyes set elsewhere.

Hammers boss David Moyes wants a midfielder this window, and the former Sporting Lisbon man could have been a great addition given his talent and potential.

With half of the January transfer window gone, West Ham’s lack of activity seems worrying as reinforcements are needed if they are to steer clear of the relegation battle ahead.

With Mario out of the plan, though, they now have to look elsewhere for the midfield addition they so desire.