Lionel Messi & Angel Di Maria back together? Inter Miami could launch transfer swoop for Argentina winger instead of Kevin De Bruyne as Benfica contract nears expiry date

De Bruyne is set to become a free agent this summer when his contract at Premier League champions Manchester City expires. A move to MLS is being speculated on for the 33-year-old - with expansion franchise San Diego FC out of the running as they cannot afford the Belgian midfielder’s wages.

That has left the door open for Inter Miami to make a move, although De Bruyne would need to take a sizeable cut on his £400,000-a-week salary in order to join Messi, Luis Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets in Florida as they already have three Designated Player spots filled.

If De Bruyne proves to be out of reach, then The Times claims that a move could be made for Di Maria. The 37-year-old forward played alongside Messi in the Argentina national team for 17 years - winning the World Cup together in 2022.

He is another veteran performer that his approaching free agency, with his deal at Benfica running down. Di Maria is said to have already looked at houses in Miami, but would prefer to spend another 12 months in Portugal before considering any return to the Americas.