Kevin De Bruyne’s hopes of playing alongside Lionel Messi at Inter Miami have been boosted by the news that Angel Di Maria has allegedly been caught up in an illegal betting scandal in Italy.
David Beckham wants the Manchester City playmaker to join his star-studded team in the MLS following confirmation that the Belgian will not be getting a new contract at the Etihad in the summer.
But the Florida franchise have also been in talks with Di Maria about his plans when he leaves Benfica – and the belief was that Messi would push his Argentina team-mate’s cause as he negotiates his own contract extension.
But the former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus winger has now been allegedly implicated in an investigation into online gambling in Italy that is looking into the affairs of 12 players.
The 37-year-old has denied any wrongdoing, but it’s unlikely that Miami will add him to their roster if the matter isn’t resolved quickly.
De Bruyne, who will be 34 in June, has offers from a number of other MLS clubs. New York City want to keep him in the City Group stable, while Chicago Fire and DC United are also in the running.
Reports from Belgium have claimed that the midfielder is angry that City have not offered him an extension that would take his stay in Manchester beyond a decade, so that may damage New York’s prospects.
There is also interest from De Bruyne’s former club Wolfsburg and clubs in the Saudi Pro League.
But the belief is that the Belgian international will be heading across the Atlantic – and he could even line up for Miami in the Club World Cup.
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