The father of Sporting Lisbon midfielder Joao Mario has revealed that his club rejected a €40million (£33.5million) bid for his son.
Joao Eduardo told the Lisbon based Portuguese newspaper Diario de Noticias that Sporting had also rejected a smaller offer of €35million from Italian club Inter Milan.
“The proposals do not go through me, that part is handled by the agent [Kia Joorabchian] directly with the president of Sporting, but I was informed that the club rejected two proposals. One of Inter, €35million, €10m by objectives (add ons), and Liverpool, €40million without any goals (add ons).”
It is unknown when this bid was made but it most likely came before Liverpool signed Sadio Mane from Southampton for £30million. Both play in similar positions and the similar fees for the pair seem to suggest an either/or situation.
Liverpool manager was keen on signing a winger this summer and he must have been impressed by the 23 year old who was a regular in the starting eleven for Portugal as they progressed to win the European Championships. Inter have been more closely linked with the player in recent weeks and with the Reds focusing on just one more signing this summer ( in the left back position), it is likely their interest in Joao Mario has now ended.
