Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne has supposedly entered talks with a new MLS club over a free transfer when the summer window opens.
The Belgium international's farewell tour at the Etihad is in full swing, as he scored the only goal of the contest in Friday night's 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers.
De Bruyne's winner in front of the home crowd was his 11th goal contribution from 25 Premier League games this season - four of his own and seven assists - but the club have nevertheless decided against offering him a new deal.
As the 33-year-old can realistically only expect one more lucrative contract before he hangs up his boots, a mega-money move to either Saudi Arabia or MLS is viewed as his most likely option, in spite of apparent interest from Aston Villa.
Clubs in North America appear to be leading the chase to sign the former Chelsea and Wolfsburg man, and it has now been reported by ESPN that Chicago Fire are in talks with the player's representatives.
Chicago Fire 'negotiating' to sign De Bruyne
© Imago
The Fire have experienced an indifferent start to the MLS campaign, only picking up 12 points from their first 10 games to sit outside the playoff positions in the Eastern Conference table.
Nevertheless, Gregg Berhalter's side are now said to be negotiating to bring De Bruyne to the club as one of their designated players, and they currently have the 'inside track' on the 33-year-old.
MLS clubs can have up to three designated players per season, and the Chicago Fire only have two spots filled, putting them at the head of the queue over Inter Miami even though the latter have De Bruyne's discovery rights.
As a result, other MLS teams would ordinarily not be able to engage in a bidding war with Inter Miami for De Bruyne, but their three DP slots are taken up by Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
However, both New York City FC and DC United are also said to be keeping a close eye on the evolving situation regarding De Bruyne, who boasts a total of 108 goals and 177 assists from 418 Citizens appearances.
De Bruyne reveals dressing room reaction to Man City exit
© Imago
After finding the back of the net for the sixth time this season on Friday night, De Bruyne was inevitably questioned about his future and revealed how the dressing room reacted to news of his imminent exit.
The Belgian also further hinted at his disappointment not to have been offered an extension by the City hierarchy, telling the media: "A lot of team-mates have spoken to me and I think they are also sad that I have to go but sometimes it goes like this.
"I showed I can still play here otherwise I don't do what I have done in these last four or five weeks. Obviously I know I've got one game left here (at the Etihad) but I just try to do my job like I've always done and I did that today, so I am proud of what I am doing. I give everything and I want to win the game."
Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz and Nottingham Forest's Morgan Gibbs-White are believed to be City's top two targets to succeed De Bruyne, whose final home game for Man City comes against Bournemouth on May 20.
Three days prior, the midfielder could win a 17th and final trophy in sky blue when Pep Guardiola's side take on Crystal Palace in the 2024-25 FA Cup final at Wembley.
Ben Knapton
