West Ham United remain interested in signing Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario this month, according to Sky Sports News.

What's the word?

It has been widely suggested that Hammers manager David Moyes is keen to strengthen his midfield for the second half of the Premier League season.

The East London outfit currently reside 11th in the table, five points above relegation, but having the best squad possible will keep them on track for safety.

Sky Sports News claims that Mario initially rejected the idea of moving to West Ham, but has now become more open-minded to the possibility of a switch.

It is believed that the Italian outfit are open to sending their £40m man on loan with an option to buy.

What could have changed?

We will never be privy to that knowledge unless he shares it, but one could assume that the midfielder has realised that he will not be getting much game time in the coming months.

With the World Cup in Russia on the horizon, Mario will want to be playing as much football as possible in order to secure a place in the Portugal team.

So far this season, the midfielder has started just five Serie A matches and has come off the bench in a further nine.

Is Mario right for West Ham?

Bringing in a player that has zero Premier League experience is always a risk, particularly for a team that are trying to stave off relegation.

The Hammers have been linked to numerous midfielders in this window, but Mario has a certain pedigree.

The 24-year-old understands how to compete at the top level, and he has the quality to do a decent job at the London Stadium.

Let's not forget, Mario was a crucial component in the Portugal team that won the European Championships in 2016.

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