Man Utd news: Inter Milan ‘want Henrikh Mkhitaryan and will offer Red Devils Joao Mario as part exchange’
Nerazzurri boss Luciano Spalletti had been mulling over whether to make move for Armenian or Gerard Deulofeu
INTER MILAN want Henrikh Mkhitaryan in January, and are willing to offer Joao Mario as part of the deal, according to reports in Italy.
The Armenian playmaker has struggled for form at Manchester United this season and could leave should a suitable offer come in.
Inter boss Luciano Spalletti had been torn between Mkhitaryan and Gerard Deulofeu as which player he felt would be better suited to his side.
But Corriere dello Sport report he has decided to plump for the former Borussia Dortmund man.
And United's interest in midfielder Mario could help lower the price.
Inter had been expected to splash the cash last summer, but were restricted due to financial fair play.
However, Spalletti convinced in-demand stars such as Ivan Perisic to stay — and the club was rewarded with a sensational start to the season.
They were the last team in Serie A to lose a match but, following that defeat to Udinese, completely lost form and appear to have dropped out of the title race.
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Inter are hoping to add players in January. Ex-Chelsea man Ramires is close to signing — but are also in the hunt for some more creativity further forward.
Deulofeu impressed while on loan at AC Milan last season, but Mkhitaryan's 'experience makes him a more viable option.
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Mario signed for Inter for £40million ahead of some other big-name suitors following an impressive Euro 2016 campaign.
However, he has failed to find consistent form in Italy.
Mourinho sees Mario as a potential long-term replacement for Michael Carrick in central midfield.