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Several Premier League clubs were linked with a move for Joao Mario this summer, and Everton could find the dynamic midfielder they are desperate for by moving for the 25 year-old in January.

What's the word?

West Ham were heavily linked with a move for Mario this summer, after the 40-cap Portuguese international spent the second half of last season on loan with the Hammers.

Manuel Pellegrini brought in a huge number of signings this summer, but there is still a feeling in East London that they are lacking a truly top class box-to-box midfielder.

Everton have the same problem though, as the Toffees are so close to a perfect midfield.

Idrissa Gueye is excellent in the defensive role and Gylfi Sigurdsson has been sensational this season, but they will not have a link between midfield and attack once Andre Gomes returns from his loan spell.

Mario could be the missing link between Gueye and Sigurdsson, and the versatile Portugal international is expected to depart Inter Milan in the near future.

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Better than Barkley?

Nearly every team in Europe now plays with an out-and-out defensive midfielder in their side, who’s sole job is to break up play and harass the opposition, but few do it better than Everton’s Gueye.

The Senegalese international is an absolute monster in the middle of the park, but he does not have the technique and vision to get the Toffees on the front foot once he wins the ball back.

This is where Mario could come in, as the versatile 25 year-old can do a little bit of everything.

Mario played mostly as a number ten for West Ham last season, but his best displays for both Inter Milan and Portugal have come in central midfield.

He has the vision and technical ability to break opposition lines both with his dribbling and with his passing, and his work rate is absolutely immense.

The Euro 2016 winner would be the perfect foil for the attacking players like Sigurdsson, and his ability to drive forward with the ball at his feet means he could be Everton's new and improved Ross Barkley.

So, Everton fans, would you back a move for Mario? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…