Southampton have been linked with a surprise move for Inter Milan playmaker Joao Mario.
According to tentative claims from Italian news outlet Stadio Sport, the Portuguese international has been lined up by the Saints, along with their fellow south coast outfit, Bournemouth.
Mario spent the second-half of last season on loan at West Ham United and despite showing signs of inconsistency, he impressed on occasions, especially in the club’s 3-0 win over Southampton.
It’s reported that concrete offers for Mario are expected to be lodged in the upcoming days, with Inter keen to offload the player on a permanent basis following his loan spell in East London.
Mario is understood to be keen on an exit from San Siro and a return to the Premier League may be of interest to the player, with Saints and Bournemouth allegedly in the race.
The midfielder is capable of playing in a central role and also on the right-hand side.
![Referee Andy Madley speaks to both Southampton Manager Tonda Eckert [GER] and Middlesbrough Manager Kim Hellberg [SWE] during the Southampton v Middlesbrough EFL Sky Bet Championship Play-Off Semi-Final 2nd Leg match at St Mary's Stadium, Southampton](https://media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/sites/7/2026/09/esme56H7noXX-300x208.webp)
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