West Ham are working on a deal to sign Joao Mario for a second spell after he blew David Moyes away with his work ethic, according to the Evening Standard.
The regional newspaper claim the club are keen to take the Portugal international, 25, for another loan following his time at the Hammers in the second half of the recently completed domestic season.
The Standard report Mario impressed ex-boss David Moyes “with his consistent work rate, often finishing top of the pile when it came to running statistics and distance covered”.
OPINION
Many West Ham fans initially wondered what the fuss was about with a player who Inter Milan paid £38.6m for in the summer of 2016. But by the end of the season, the Hammers faithful were won over by Super Mario, who was used almost predominantly in an attacking midfield role alongside Manuel Lanzini and behind spearhead Marko Arnautovic. Supporters will be even more keen for the 25-year-old to return for a second spell after learning his fearsome work ethic is supported by statistics. Football is about more than running power and energy, but the modern game requires almost brutal levels of fitness and Mario has the touch and technique that would make him a good fit for next season. Manuel Pellegrini will appreciate the Portugese’s ability on the ball and it is likely he will have a major role in mind for him next season if David Sullivan and company can seal another loan deal.
