Inter Miami have set their sights on yet another legendary ex-Barcelona star, with Spanish icon Andres Iniesta now reportedly being lined up.
David Beckham’s outfit have struggled to make an impact in the MLS this term, rooted to the bottom of the table with just five wins in 20 games.
However, they completed what could be the biggest deal in the division’s history – barring perhaps their owner’s own switch to LA Galaxy – when they secured the services of Lionel Messi for next season.
The Argentine is not the only former Barcelona figure to join, with Sergio Busquets already signed and Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino taking over as coach from Phil Neville, and are also linked with a move for Jordi Alba.
Iniesta is now the latest figure from the club’s long history rumoured to be on the MLS side’s radar, having called time on his stay at Japanese side Vissel Kobe, according to RAC1.
Andres Iniesta has been linked with a move to MLS side Inter Miami after leaving Vissel Kobe
The Spain and Barcelona icon will have a chance to link up once again with Lionel Messi (left)
David Beckham’s side are currently rooted to the bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference
Now 39, the Spanish midfielder is thought to be keen on extending his playing career further still, having already won every possible honour in the game.
As well as being the veteran of two Treble-winning sides at the Blaugrana, Iniesta has also won the European Championship twice with Spain and scored the winning goal in the 2010 World Cup final.
Now, though, after ending his five-year stay with Vissel Kobe he faces the prospect of joining up with Messi once again, as well as international team-mates Busquets and Alba should deals be completed for the duo too.
But Inter Miami are not the only side keen on Iniesta’s services, with the midfielder also reportedly fielding several offers, including one from Saudi Arabia.
Yet a decision on the four-time Champions League winner’s future is expected in the coming days.
It is thought that as well as putting together a team capable of winning the championship, Beckham is keen to lure some of the sport’s biggest names to further bring prestige to the MLS and thereby increase viewing figures.
Should they add Iniesta and Alba to a side including Messi and Busquets, their franchise will become the most decorated in terms of honours won by their playing squad.
There are plans in place for Miami to unveil Messi and Busquets together at the team’s DRV PNK Stadium on July 16, although there has not yet been an official announcement.
Spain international Jordi Alba is believed to be close to following Busquets and Messi to Miami
Gerardo Martino coached Iniesta, Busquets, Alba and Messi will in charge of Barcelona
Sergio Ramos has also been linked with Inter Miami after following Messi out the door at PSG
And the high-profile additions may not stop there, with the Barca quartet’s former Real Madrid nemesis Sergio Ramos similarly connected with a switch to Miami.
According to a report by Sport in his native Spain, Ramos and Miami are ‘one step away’ from an agreement in talks over an MLS move.
Recently, the 37-year-old World Cup winning defender was on holiday in America, watching UFC in Florida before heading to New York with his wife Pilar Rubio, after following Messi out the door at Paris Saint-Germain.
Ramos has been linked with a return to the Spanish league and also to the Saudi league where old Real Madrid team-mates Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema are playing.