Football
Jack Rathborn, Transfer writer 6y

Manchester United to rival PSG for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario

With the January window on the horizon, there's plenty brewing in the transfer market. All the latest deals and potential deals can be found here.

Mourinho ready to reinforce Man United midfield with Joao Mario 

Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario has emerged as a January target for Manchester United, sources in Italy have told ESPN FC's Mark Ogden, with Paris Saint-Germain also considering a move for the Portugal international.

The 24-year-old, under contract at the San Siro until the end of the 2020-21 season, has fallen out of favour under Inter coach Luciano Spalletti, starting just four games this season, and is ready to pursue a move away from the club next month.

PSG regard the former Sporting Lisbon player as a potential addition to Unai Emery's squad rather than one likely to go straight into the team at the Parc des Princes.

However, with uncertainty over the United futures of Marouane Fellaini, Michael Carrick, Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Juan Mata, who has struggled to claim a regular starting despite signing a contract extension to June 2019 recently, Joao Mario believes his prospects of playing time would be better at Old Trafford than with PSG or Inter.

United pulled out of a move for Inter winger Ivan Perisic during the summer after being unable to overcome a small difference in valuation for the Croatia international and, with Inter paying €45m to sign Joao Mario from Sporting in Aug 2016, the Italian club are likely to want to recoup the bulk of that fee either directly or with a player exchange as part of any deal.

United track second Serie A star

United are also said to be tracking Lazio midfielder Sergej Milinkovic-Savic with Calcio Mercato reporting that they have sent scouts to watch the Serbian.

United are hoping to beat Manchester City and Juventus to the 22-year-old's signature after a fine season with Lazio, in which he has already scored six times.

Lazio have already rejected a £62 million offer for their talisman, meaning any potentially successful bid will start at £70m, for a player that cost £16m in 2015.

Chelsea move for Jankto

Chelsea are in the hunt for Udinese starlet Jakub Jankto, reports Corriere dello Sport.

The Czech international has impressed for the Zebrette recently, scoring five times this season and attracting interest from a host of clubs.

The Blues will face competition from AC Milan, though the Rossoneri may have to splash out on big wages to secure the services of the 21-year-old ahead of a move to the Premier League.

Mourinho aims to swap Mata

Jose Mourinho is aiming to swap one of his best players to trigger a squad overhaul, reports Corriere dello Sport, with Juan Mata potentially on his way out.

The Spaniard has found himself in and out of Mourinho's best XI, meaning he may look for a move in order to make a late dash for the Spain national team at the World Cup.

Mourinho wants to swap Mata with Inter Milan for Joao Mario, who is out of favour under Luciano Spalletti at the San Siro.

The Portuguese could bring dynamism to Mourinho's midfield and ease the defensive burden on Paul Pogba.

Tap-ins

- Lionel Messi rejected incredible wages worth £850,000 per week from Manchester City, reports the Mirror, in order to stay and extend his contract at the Camp Nou.

The Argentinian was also offered £88m as a signing-on fee to the Etihad, though a new contract signed last month all but ends any speculation over his future, despite Pep Guardiola's desire to improve on his formidable Man City side.

- Chelsea could reignite their interest in Alex Sandro with the Telegraph reporting that the Juventus full-back wants to leave.

The Brazil international was the subject of several bids last summer but now appears intent on leaving Turin. The 26-year-old is likely to cost around £50m and could provide an upgrade on Marcos Alonso for Antonio Conte.

- Valencia could save Everton flop Sandro Ramirez with the Sun reporting the Toffees forward is attracting loan interest from Los Che.

- Watford are set for a massive coup by signing IFK Goteborg starlet Pontus Dahlberg. A £3.3m deal could be in place to beat Arsenal and Everton to his signature.

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