---
title: "Southampton linked with Joao Mario"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2018/07/03/southampton-linked-with-joao-mario/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Luke Osman"
section: "News"
published: "2018-07-03T22:22:58Z"
modified: "2018-07-03T22:22:58Z"
---

# Southampton linked with Joao Mario

Southampton have been linked with a surprise move for Inter Milan playmaker Joao Mario.

According to tentative claims from Italian news outlet [Stadio Sport](https://www.stadiosport.it/calciomercato-inter-southampton-e-bournemouth-su-joao-mario-133593), 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.

![Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Sport](https://cdn.readeverything.cohttps//media.readsouthampton.com/readsouthampton/2018/07/988221060.jpg)

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.