"?Sporting CP coach Jorge Jesus has confirmed that Inter Milan transfer target Joao Mario will take part in his side's season opener with Maritimo on Saturday should he be available, despite suggestions that he will depart the club before the transfer window closes.
"?Quoted in FourFourTwo, Jesus has stood his ground on the matter insisting that Mario will be involved in his side for the clash should a deal not be finalised before the game.
Having played an important part in Portugal's Euro 2016 success, the 23-year-old has been linked with some of the biggest clubs on the continent, however it appears Inter have won the race for the highly-rated midfielder.
The Italian giants are reported to have tabled an offer of around £38m with the Portuguese's agent Kia Joorabchian, a consultant for Inter's Chinese owners which has increased the possibility of the move.
Inter Milan offering £38m deal to Sporting Lisbon for Portugal midfielder Joao Mario. If he moves, wages would go up 500%
However Sporting boss Jesus has moved to cool suggestions that Mario is heading for the exit door as he previews his side's chances for the upcoming season.
"If nothing happens before the game then he [Mario] will play for us, it is simple," he said.
The 62-year-old went on to offer his viewpoint on the matter, insisting that there is no requirement for Mario to depart the club this summer.
"I do not know what is going to happen until August 31, the transfer deadline day in Europe, but Sporting are not a selling club.
"The president also clarified that the club does not need to sell. Sporting have to defend their jewels to the end. It is Sporting CP who decide what happens to their players."
Despite being unwilling to lose a player who is vital to Jesus' plans, the manager is accepting that this is how football works in this day and age.
"We are talking about a player who is targeted by many clubs who have greater economic resources. Sporting decide on the player's future, all I can say is we have great professionals," he added.