David Beckham is reportedly looking to follow up the blockbuster signing of Lionel Messi by landing three of his former Barcelona team-mates.
Messi is said to be on the verge of a shock move to Beckham's Inter Miami at the end of the season when his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expires. The deal would see the Argentine become the highest-paid player in the history of Major League Soccer, with Miami chiefs increasingly confident an agreement will be reached.
Beckham has long touted the prospect of a superstar like Messi joining his MLS franchise, while Messi himself has admitted he would be keen to play in the U.S before his career comes to an end.
The Times claim that prospect could be just months away, with Messi thought to be ready to turn his back on Europe for a move across the pond. And it's not just Messi who Beckham is keen to see lining up at the DRV PNK Stadium.
According to The Times' report, Beckham is also interested in signing Messi's former strike partner Luis Suarez, as well as midfield maestro Cesc Fabregas. Suarez is a free agent having just left Uruguayan side Nacional where he had a six-month contract.
The veteran striker - who will turn 36 in January - left Atletico Madrid in June and admitted last month he thinks a move to MLS is "most likely". Gremio boss Alberto Guerra recently revealed they had made an offer to Suarez, but claimed the former Liverpool man rejected it because he has a project in his sights in the U.S.
Will Inter Miami be able to pull off their ambitious transfer plan? Have your say in the comments below.
Beckham is said to be hoping to build a team around Messi, who also shares a great off-field relationship with Fabregas. The ex-Arsenal captain, 35, only signed a two-year deal with Italian Serie B side Como in August, where he is also part-owner.
Furthermore, reports in Spain from Cadena Cope claim Barcelona captain Sergio Busquets has agreed to join Inter Miami at the end of the season. Busquets, 34, has already confirmed he will be leaving the Nou Camp at the end of his contract in June.
Both Suarez and Busquets are currently playing for their respective countries at the World Cup. The ambitious four-way transfer plan would be a remarkable coup for Beckham should Miami be able to pull it off.
Beckham's standing within the game would no doubt play a huge part in persuading the quartet into a move to the East Coast. The former England captain has previously completed transfers for the likes of Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi.
Miami have made no secret of their desire to sign the biggest stars in the game. “This club will always want to bring a superstar to Miami, and a lot of top players want to come here because of where we are,” said Inter Miami boss Phil Neville.
Messi is believed to have a house in Miami already and has enjoyed spending time there with his family.
