MANCHESTER UNITED have reportedly been offered Inter Milan’s Joao Mario in a straight swap deal for Juan Mata.
Corriere dello Sport claims the Spanish playmaker has been lined up for a move to the San Siro as he prepares to enter the final six months of his United deal.
But the Red Devils are believed to be on the verge of triggering a one-year extension clause in his contract.
And the report adds that Jose Mourinho has snubbed Inter’s plan, despite being interested in taking Mario to Old Trafford.
BEAT YOUR MATES Play Dream Team Weekender to earn those bragging rights and win £10k!
The Portugal international has failed to nail down a regular spot in Luciano Spalletti’s side and is up for grabs this January.
However, it’s said that a deal could yet go through – but with Henrikh Mkhitaryan taking Mata’s place instead.
SUN BETS: BET £10 GET A FREE £30 BET
The Armenian has been dropped from United’s recent matchday squads and has featured just once since a 1-0 defeat to Chelsea last month.
Mourinho is apparently looking for Mario and cash in return for Mkhitaryan’s signature.
But only time will tell if Inter take up the offer, with the midfielder a very different type of player to Mata.
United are also interested in Lazio’s Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, although he is believed to favour a move to Juventus.
