Monday 18 July 2016 14:41, UK
Sporting Lisbon president Bruno De Carvalho has reiterated his stance on Joao Mario amid reports Inter Milan were close to signing the Portuguese midfielder.
The Nerazzurri were believed to be in the running to sign the 23-year-old having observed his impressive performances during Portugal's recent European Championship triumph, according to the Italian press.
But De Carvalho has adamantly rejected reports Joao Mario could leave the club this summer, telling O Jogo: "I understand he is a player who is much appreciated but I want to reiterate our position.
"We do not sell our best players, we have a clearly defined project here. The fact may be that clubs are interested in Joao Mario, but that does not concern us.
"It just makes us proud because it means we are on track. I really hope that in a week's time, when we start preparing [for the new season], the coach will have all of his players available."
Some quarters of the British press had also linked Mario with a move to Chelsea and Manchester United.
