TBR Football can exclusively confirm the latest involving San Diego FC’s pursuit of Manchester City star Kevin De Bruyne.
The Citizens midfielder has enjoyed a wonderful career at the Etihad Stadium, making a name for himself as one of the greatest midfielders in the game.
However, De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City when his contract expires at the end of the season.
And San Diego, the newest team to join the MLS, are making good progress in pursuit of the Belgium superstar.
Kevin De Bruyne close to finalising terms to join San Diego FC
San Diego are progressing with talks to land Manchester City legend Kevin De Bruyne, TBR Football chief correspondent Graeme Bailey understands.
The Belgian midfielder will be leaving the Etihad at the end of the season, bringing down the curtain on his illustrious 10-year City career which has seen him win 14 major trophies.
TBR Football revealed last year that San Diego was leading the charge for De Bruyne and that remains the case, despite strong interest from the Saudi Pro League.
TBR Football is told that San Diego are confident that De Bruyne, who turns 34 this summer, is close to finalising terms to move to California.
San Diego have left one of their three Designated Player slots available having assembled their new squad as they gear up for their first season in MLS.
San Diego kick off their debut campaign on Monday against LA Galaxy.
Who Manchester City have identified as potential Kevin De Bruyne replacement
TBR Football understands that Man City have been doing work on potential replacements for De Bruyne.
One name that has emerged as a player of real interest for Manchester City is Charles De Ketelaere, who plays for Italian outfit Atalanta.
De Ketelaere has been described as a ‘complete’ player by Club Brugge icon Gert Verheyen.
Goal.com also compared the £20million Atalanta man – who has 20 caps for Belgium – to Liverpool cult hero Roberto Firmino.
‘A naturally selfless player, De Ketelaere has taken to acting as a ‘false nine’ as if it were a position he has played all his life,’ they wrote.
‘He is tasked with acting as a facilitator for others as well as with scoring goals himself – much like Roberto Firmino (then) at Liverpool – and is thriving.’