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West Ham need to find a replacement for the injured Manuel Lanzini for a large chunk of next season after the Argentine ruptured his ACL in his right knee while training with Argentina ahead of the World Cup.

One of those in the frame to replace him will be Joao Mario, who spent six months on loan at the London Stadium last season and after a sluggish start, seemed to flourish towards the end of the campaign.

Mario left some convinced he'd be worth a permanent deal, while others were less convinced but already knwoing the club and the Premier League, Mario would be a logical replacement for Lanzini while he is injured.

However, the price tag was reportedly a stumbling block for both parties, with Inter supposedly demanding £35m-£40m for the Portuguese midfielder.

(Image: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

However, football.london understands that the Italians have dropped their price tag to £25m but are desperate to get Mario off the books that they won't entertain a loan deal for him to get him away from the San Siro.

West Ham could no doubt haggle that down to around £20m but it will be up to new manager Manuel Pellegrini to decide if Mario is the answer or if he should look elsewhere.

West Ham have been linked with Lazio midfielder Felipe Anderson and the Brazilian is keen on a move to east London and being the star attraction.

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