La Gazzetta dello Sport carried an interesting rumour this week, linking new Everton manager Marco Silva with a return for former player Joao Mario.
It’s fair to say the initial report, courtesy of a Google translate is flimsy if I’m being generous.
Having spent last season at the London Stadium with West Ham United on a half-season loan spell, he made 14 appearances for the side (two substitute showings) and returned two goals as he began adjusting to the Premier League and although it doesn’t appear the Hammers have renewed their interest this summer, it’s believed he will again be heading away from the San Siro.
Everton and Bournemouth are namechecked in the report with a fee spoken about being in the region of £25million.
The strongest element of any accuracy here comes from the fact that he’s played under Silva previously for a season during their time at Portuguese club Sporting and back then he was a regular for Silva, making 45 appearances, with a return of seven goals and five assists.
With Mario on duty for Portugal at this summer’s World Cup in Russia, it is most likely just another tournament rumour as we’ve had plenty of those so far and no doubt they’ll be plenty more on the cards over the next few weeks.