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West Ham United's loan deal for Joao Mario does not include an option for a permanent deal, according to reports.

Following days of speculation the Portugal international is finally a Hammer he's joined for the remainder of the season from Serie A giants Inter Milan after struggling to hold down a regular place in the side since arriving from Sporting Club in the summer of 2016.

The Irons haven't disclosed much in terms of details regarding the agreement with the San Siro outfit, but reports in Italy suggest that Joao Mario will certainly head back to Italy at end of the campaign - regardless of his performances in East London.

As reported by Gazzetta dello Sport, the Irons are paying a loan fee of €1.1m (£964,000) as well as paying the 25-year-old's wages in full, but crucially it's understood that a clause which would allow David Moyes' side to turn the deal into a permanent one has not been included.

(Image: Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

This is backed up by Corriere dello Sport, who claim the loan fee is €1.2m (£1m), and state the reasoning behind Inter's decision not to include the option for Joao Mario to join the Hammers is the hope that he performs so well under David Moyes that it sparks a bidding war for his signtare in the summer.

Having cost the Nerazzurri £38m immediately after Euro 2016, it's thought that they wanted to sell the midfielder outright this month but found suitors hard to find and it would appear that United could face strong competition should they wish to pursue a permanent deal.

Handed the number the number 18 shirt at the London Stadium, the midfielder is line to make his bow in the FA Cup fourth round clash away at Wigan Atheltic tomorrow afternoon and he's spoken of his excitement at joining the club.

"I am really happy to be here," he told the club's official website. "It’s a really amazing experience to join this amazing team and I am just glad to be here.

"It was a fast move. I have spoken with everyone around the team and, for me, it is exciting to play in the Premier League. I spoke with the coach and for me, I am really happy to be training for an amazing coach, also.”

"Jose explained to me a little more about the Club and also the song we have, I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles and that, of course, it was really important for me to join West Ham!

"It’s a really historic Club with an amazing stadium and amazing players. I am just trying to know a little bit more about the Club every day and now I have some time to know more.”

With Marko Arnautovic and Manuel Lanzini set for spells on the sidelines after sustaining hamstring injuries against Bournemouth last time out, Joao Mario's arrival is certainly a welcome boost for Moyes.

Despite the midfielder making just 15 appearances in the top flight of Italian football - many of those as a substitute - prior to this move, he still managed to weigh in with a respectable five assists.

Is Joao Mario a good signing for West Ham United? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.