David Beckham's Inter Miami have made Kevin De Bruyne their No1 transfer target.
The MLS outfit are growing increasingly confident of being able to land the Manchester City superstar next summer. De Bruyne will become a free agent in June when his current City deal runs out.
And Inter Miami bosses will look to open talks with De Bruyne next month, if he has failed to agree a new deal with Pep Guardiola’s men before then. Beckham knows luring someone of De Bruyne’s reputation and calibre would be a huge coup for Inter Miami - and the MLS in general.
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De Bruyne considered leaving City last summer following strong interest in him from a host of Saudi Arabian clubs. But he chose to stay with the champions after deciding not to uproot his young family.
But it’s understood the chance to live in the United States appeals to De Bruyne and his wife Michele Lacroix. The midfielder will be 34 next June, and would consider a new challenge before he retires.
David Beckham has played a key role in bringing big players to Inter Miami
David Beckham has played a key role in bringing big players to Inter Miami (Image: Getty Images)
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Miami hosted the draw for the inaugural FIFA World Club Cup yesterday (Thu), which takes place next summer and involves City and Chelsea. And if De Bruyne seals a move to Beckham's outfit ahead of the tournament, he could find himself lining up against his current club.
De Bruyne has endured a frustrating season following injuries. He made first start since September in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, producing a man-of-the-match display to help City end their seven game losing streak.
There have been claims De Bruyne and Guardiola have fallen out. Earlier this week Guardiola was forced to defend his relationship with De Bruyne, and insisted he hadn’t been starting him due to worries about his fitness.