Real Betis are among the frontrunners to sign out-of-favour Inter midfielder Joao Mario, whose exit from the Italian giants is being ‘accelerated’.
A report in ABC de Sevilla outlines how Los Verdiblancos view the Portugal international as an ‘ideal candidate’ to fill a creative midfield position in their squad.
The report cites Betis vice president Lorenzo Serra Ferrer as commenting on the player: “He has a profile that may interest us due to his abilities, but we have not yet talked to Inter.
“The truth is Joao Mario is an Inter player and we cannot talk about players from other clubs.”
Whilst there remains interest in the English Premier League – where Mario spent the second half of last season on loan at West Ham United – for the 25-year-old, the reports says Betis are optimistic that a deal could be completed.
Mario was signed by the Nerazzurri in a €40m deal from Sporting CP two summers ago and they would be keen to recoup more than half that amount in the result of any move.
The midfielder scored twice and provided six assists in 29 appearances last season at Inter and the East London club.
