OPINION
West Ham managed to survive relegation from the Premier League last season thanks to the efforts of a few select players, among them being loan star Joao Mario.
The Portugal international joined the club on a six-month deal from Inter Milan in January, and endured a tough start to his Premier League career as he struggled to get up to speed.
However, the 25-year-old then found his feet and began to influence games in a big way for the Hammers, ending the season with a couple of goals and an assist for his efforts.
It was expected that the Hammers may go back in for Mario this summer, but new boss Manuel Pellegrini has clearly decided that there are other players he would prefer to have in his squad, with no move materialising despite Manuel Lanzini’s injury.
However, a move is being reported which would leave many associated with the club fuming ahead of the new season, with the Mirror claiming that Tottenham may launch a last-minute loan move for the 25-year-old.
Spurs are yet to sign any players this summer, so for them to bring in Mario at the last minute would be a blow for their rivals, with the Portuguese playmaker a brilliant addition to their squad.
The Lilywhites have been crying out for a back-up attacking midfielder for ages, and their pursuit of Aston Villa star Jack Grealish this summer illustrates their desire for such a player.
Mario could well go on to play a crucial part in Tottenham’s season, and the rivalry between the two clubs will make that extremely painful to watch for Hammers fans.
The fact that Mario is said to be pining over a move back to London, therefore leaving the door open to a West Ham return, would leave many fuming that the club have not launched a move to make that happen.
Hammers fans must now hope that Tottenham simply do not make such a move with the hours slowing ticking away in the window.
