Chelsea target Joao Mario keen on Inter move, says father

Joao Mario: Linked with Chelsea and Inter Milan

Joao Mario: Agent confirms Liverpool bid

Joao Mario’s father has refused to discuss Chelsea’s reported interest in his son – but admits a move to Inter Milan would ‘very much appeal’ to the Sporting Lisbon midfielder.

The Portugal midfielder, currently on holiday after his country’s shock success at Euro 2016, has been linked with moves to both Chelsea and Inter Milan in recent days, with reports on Tuesday claiming the Blues were preparing a €40million bid for the player.

Joao Mario is just one of a number of midfielders being linked with Chelsea and it seems Antonio Conte’s men may have to beat Inter Milan to his signature if they are to land their man.

Discussing the nerazzurri’s interest, the player’s father told the Corriere dello Sport: “My son is on holiday right now, he was amazing on the pitch on Sunday and despite being on holiday he wants updates over his future. We have some meetings scheduled in the next 10 days and there will be news soon.

“Inter are a top club, everyone player would like to wear their shirt.

“Serie A is also an amazing league with clubs like Juventus, Roma and AC Milan. Joao Mario is ready to play in Italy. He can play everywhere in Europe, I am proud of him.

“But his transfer doesn’t depend on us only. Sporting Lisbon have to be taken into account too.”

Portuguese paper A Bola reported earlier in the week that the midfielder will be sold by Sporting this summer – but only if a club matches their €60million valuation (£50.8million).