Report: West Ham attempting to sign Inter's Joao Mario on loan

West Ham has turned its attention to Italy in an effort to boost its midfield.

The Premier League side has engaged in negotiations with Inter Milan over the possibility of signing midfielder Joao Mario on loan until the end of the season, according to The Telegraph's Jason Burt.

Even if Inter accepts West Ham's terms, the final decision could come down to Joao Mario, who's reportedly requested time to contemplate his playing future as he apparently has multiple options to consider.

Joao Mario joined Inter from Sporting Lisbon in 2016 for €45 million (£39.8 million). He's reportedly grown frustrated over his lack of playing time at the Italian club after appearing primarily as a substitute this season.

Manager Luciano Spalletti has preferred to deploy Marcelo Brozovic and Borja Valero in Joao Mario's place for much of the season, but the club is believed to be reluctant to sell the Portuguese international in January, and would prefer to loan him to a team willing to provide a substantial increase in playing time.