‘Kevin De Bruyne closing in on Inter Miami deal from what I hear’ – Expert
Kevin De Bruyne is interested in joining MLS outfit Inter Miami this summer after confirming his departure from Man City.
That is according to former Man United and Blackburn chief scout Mick Brown, who remains very well-connected within the game, as he exclusively told Football Insider that efforts are being made behind the scenes to reach an agreement.
The 33-year-old’s contract is set to expire in June and he will become a free agent, but foreign clubs have been able to hold official talks since January.
This comes after Football Insider revealed De Bruyne is keen to join Lionel Messi at David Beckham’s club, although staying in Europe remains a possibility.
The midfielder had previously been heavily linked with a move to MLS newcomers San Diego FC, who remain keen on a free transfer when his City deal expires.
However, Inter Miami are now believed to be the front-runners and are pushing to agree a deal ahead of rivals both domestically and across Europe.
Kevin de Bruyne interested in joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami
Brown told Football Insider in February that De Bruyne wants to quit Man City and move to the MLS amid rival interest from Saudi Pro League clubs.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted that the slower pace of the game would be ideal for De Bruyne given his fitness issues.
“The MLS move is one that has been on the cards for a while,” he told Football Insider.
“From what I hear, Inter Miami are making progress and are talking to his representatives behind the scenes.
“It’s a move he would be interested in and certainly one they think they can get over the line.
“I think, like we’ve seen with Messi, the slower pace of the game over there would be perfect for him.
“He will know better than anybody else what his body can handle at this stage of his career.
“His career is at a stage now where he can’t play two 90-minute games every week, so he’s looking to wind down a bit and a move to Miami would allow that.
“For somebody of his quality, he could run the show out there.“
Pep Guardiola eyes squad overhaul after De Bruyne exit
De Bruyne’s exit is expected to be the first of many at the Etihad this summer amid ongoing speculation about a potential squad overhaul.
Brown told Football Insider in February that Man City are prepared to spend big as they eye five big-name signings to replace multiple first-team stars.
Speculation about the futures of Rodri, Ilkay Gundogan and Bernardo Silva could see Guardiola oversee huge changes in the middle of the park.
Meanwhile, Man City want to sign Morgan Gibbs-White from Nottingham Forest as a potential replacement for De Bruyne, although a new contract at the City Ground is on the cards.
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