INTER MIAMI'S FIRST MAJOR COUP

It’s no secret, Inter Miami want to sign a big-name player. They already have global appeal with David Beckham heading things up on the East Coast but the Englishman wants to take the MLS and put it alongside sports such as the NFL, NBA and MLB for appeal. For that to happen they need a star. Here we look at five INTER MIAMI’S FIRST MAJOR COUP.

Number 5. Daniel Sturridge 

Sturridge’s career is at its lowest ever point with the one time England striker currently serving a global suspension for betting violations. His career at the very top was already over after a failure to stay fit had seen him end up at Trabzonspor. Throughout his entire career Sturridge has a respectable one goal in three game ratio; he’s blessed as a natural finisher and is technically top quality. Given the controversy currently hanging over him, a fresh start across the pond could be hugely appealing.

Number 4. Gareth Bale

Will Gareth Bale leave Real Madrid? The answer has changed more often than the weather over the last 12 months. He and Zinedine Zidane clearly don’t see eye to eye but the power is with Bale, such is the benefit of a substantial contract.

In his prime Bale was as fast as a horse competing on the Kentucky Derby odds (ask Bartra, for example). Even around his thirties he would still be highly rated in the MLS. In truth most clubs would love to have the Welsh wizard in their team; the trouble is, not many can afford him.

The European elite seem wary to commit to his demands, which means his options become somewhat limited. Bale has shown himself to be willing to drop to a lower standard of football with a move to Chinese side Jiangsu Suning falling through previously. Could Beckham offer a package to tempt his fellow Brit? Maybe with a tour through Miami’s best golf venues?

Number 3. Edinson Cavani

Uruguayan front man Cavani has made a habit of scoring goals throughout his career. He’s not letting up with age either with him contributing seven in 22 for PSG this season despite only averaging 50 minutes action per game. He’s been linked with clubs all over the globe, including a homecoming to South America that clearly appeals. That might prove a step too far for Cavani though who will feel he has so much still to offer and Inter Miami might be the perfect middle ground.

Number 2. James Rodriguez 

That’s right, number two on our list is another Real Madrid outcast. James was one of the stars of the 2014 World Cup but that’s a distant memory now with the Colombian having failed to play more than 30 games since the season prior to that tournament. He only has 12 months left on his Madrid deal so they may be keen to get some cash for him now and, given he’s at a prime age, 28, he would be a real coup for the Beckham and co. He’s certainly good enough to tear things up in the MLS for years to come.

Number 1. Rogelio Funes Mori

Funes Mori has been plying his trade in Mexico since 2015 where he’s established a reputation for being a real sharpshooter. He’s bagged 100 goals and provided 27 assists in 198 games for Liga MX side Monterrey. It isn’t a name that you’d immediately jump to for boosting the profile of your club but Beckham will know that he has to be realistic and Funes Mori would capture a whole host of attention from the Americas and, at the end of it all, he needs players to make him competitive on the pitch. Funes Mori will certainly do that.

There you have it, five players who could be donning the Inter Miami strip in the near future.