Everton plan move for ex-West Ham United midfielder

Everton are reportedly mulling over an approach to sign Joao Mario from Inter Milan this summer. The Portugal international spent the second half of the previous campaign on loan with West Ham United, contributing two goals from 13 league appearances.

According to Tuttomercato, the Nerazzurri are open to Mario's sale this summer, should any of his suitors match his £26m valuation.

It is added that the Toffees are among the prime candidates weighing up an offer with new boss Marco Silva aiming to bolster the squad for a top-six challenge next term.

Since the Portuguese's arrival, the focus has been more on offloading unwanted players with Joel Robles, Ramiro Funes Mori and Wayne Rooney heading through the exit door but the next few weeks should witness some inward activity at the club.

The defence has been highlighted as one of the positions to strengthen with the future of Ashley Willians under question whilst the same goes for the midfield where Morgan Schneiderlin has been tipped to make way.