Everton will not make a move for Joao Mario this summer, Marco Silva has revealed in an interview with O Jogo (h/t Football Italia). The Toffees were one of three clubs reportedly keen on Mario’s signature for £15m, but the Everton boss has denied any suggestion that an approach will be made.
He said: “There are specific positions where we want to improve. Joao Mario is an Inter player and there’s nothing else to it. He was my player, I was the one who gave him his debut for Sporting (CP). He’s had a very good season, he’s at a high level for the club he plays, but right now he’s not on the table.”
Mario spent the second-half of last season on loan at West Ham United, but he struggled to make a telling impact before returning to Inter Milan. The 26-year-old made 14 appearances for the Londoners, scoring and creating three goals.
Inter paid £36m in 2016 to bring the midfielder to the San Siro in 2016 and are now willing to let him go for 41% of that valuation. Mario has made 69 appearances in all competitions for the Nerazzurri, contributing 19 goals, but he’s fallen down the pecking order this season.
The Portuguese international has racked up just 142 minutes of Serie A football since February and might have to find himself a new club to get regular action. Everton are expected to strengthen in midfield this summer as they could lose Idrissa Gueye to Paris Saint-Germain and are struggling to turn Andre Gomes’ loan deal permanent, but Mario doesn’t appear to be on their radar.
Crippy Cooke’s previous article
Opinion: Winger unlikely to join Everton first-team next season