Schalke set sights on Joao Mario

According to La Gazzetta dello Sport, German club Schalke have their sights set on Joao Mario in the wake of the Portuguese star’s move to Real Betis falling through. The Inter Milan midfielder has been with the Italian club for two years now, in addition to a short loan spell with West Ham United earlier this year. At this point, however, it seems as if he’s more interested in consistent first team football – which he’d likely get with Schalke.

While Bayern Munich obviously ran away with the Bundesliga title last season, Schalke were still able to finish 2nd in Bundesliga which is no small feat. They’re aiming to bolster their squad to the point where they can continue to compete on all levels, and the addition of the 25-year-old Mario could be the key to that.

Schalke will kick off their league campaign this weekend when they take on Wolfsburg.