West Ham United are set to be a busy club this transfer window as David Moyes could add a few fresh faces to the squad. This has seen them linked with some exciting stars in recent weeks and one player on their radar is Portuguese midfielder, Joao Mario.
Transfer story
Having lost his place in the first team to Marcelo Brozovic at Inter Milan this season, Mario is looking for clubs who can offer him regular game time.
West ham reportedly made an approach to sign him on a loan, which has now been rejected. He cost Inter £40m in 2016 and they might be tempted to sell if West Ham are ready to meet his valuation, for a permanent move. So is he the right man for the Hammers?
Joao Mario and his attributes
Having worked at the Porto and Sporting CP academies as a youth product, Mario made a name for himself in the senior side with the later, where he spent five years, making 65 top-flight appearances, before moving on to Inter Milan in 2016. He is currently the first choice midfielder for the Portuguese national side, making 31 appearances, and is an established midfielder in the European circuit.
An attacking midfielder, who can also play in a central role, Mario is a gifted footballer, with exceptional technique and even better understanding of the game. He is a smart dribbler, who loves to find space and time on the ball in the final third. He is adept at creating chances with through balls.
He is also known for his late runs into dangerous areas and though he has to work on his finishing, is a decent outlet to have in attack. He is disciplined in his defending and though has to add some industry to his game, is a player who will excel when played in the right position.
Chances under David Moyes
West Ham United have been looking to sign Mario since Moyes took charge of the club and with the 24-year old making just five starts this season, he can be lured to London, with the promise of regular game time.
David Moyes is reluctant to use Mark Noble as the first choice midfielder this season which has left the likes of Cheikhou Kouyaté and Pedro Obiang as the only dependable options for the manager. Manuel Lanzini, Edmilson Fernandes and Declan Rice can pull a shift but the Hammers need a first choice midfielder, who can add to both ends of the field.
This is where Mario could be effective. With Kouyaté acting as a defensive midfielder, Mario can not only add numbers to the attack but will add creativity to the midfield of the side, which can go a long way in getting the Hammers closer to the top half of the table. But at this price, do you think he is the right man for the Moyes?