Report: West Ham United close to loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario

West Ham United have reportedly edged closer to a loan deal for Inter Milan midfielder Joao Mario.

The Portugal international, who has struggled for game time with the Nerazzurri so far this season, had initially ruled out a switch to the East London outfit.

According to Sky Sports News, however, Mario has had a change of heart and is now open to making the switch to West Ham.

The report goes on to claim that the deal between the two clubs will see the 25-year-old move on loan with an option to make the switch permanent for £26m in the summer.

Mario joined Inter for £35m from Sporting Lisbon in 2016 after helping his country to victory at Euro 2016 but has only made five league starts this term.