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Former Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United full-back Sergio Reguilon is finalizing terms with Inter Miami ahead of signing for the MLS side.
The 28-year-old left-back, who also had a spell at Brentford on loan, has agreed to join the franchise co-owned by David Beckham and captained by Lionel Messi with confirmation of his signing on a two-year contract expected soon.
The Spaniard is lined up to replace Jordi Alba who has announced his retirement alongside his close friend and former Barcelona teammate Sergio Busquets.
However, ambitious Miami, who are in the end of season playoffs, intend to recruit again from Europe in the next window.
Beckham and his board are working on identifying two new transfer targets who can improve their squad for next year.
Alba, 36, regarded as one of the best left-backs of the modern era, revealed his decision on Instagram and said: 'The time has come to close a truly meaningful chapter of my life. I do so with complete conviction, with peace, and with happiness. I feel I've walked this path with every ounce of passion I had. And now it's the right moment to open a new chapter and close the previous one with the best possible feeling.
Former Tottenham full-back Sergio Reguilon is close to joining Lionel Messi at Inter Miami
The MLS side, co-owned by David Beckham, intends to recruit again from Europe
He added: 'Thank you to all the fans for your kindness, you taught me that the shirt isn't just worn, it's felt. Today I close this chapter knowing I've given it my all, football has been and always will be an essential part of my life. Thanks football for everything.'
Alba previously inked a deal with the Herons in May through to the 2027 MLS season but has now opted to rescind the contract and retire.
He now closes out an impressive 16-year career in the sport with Inter Miami. He spent 11 seasons with Barcelona, where he won six LaLiga titles and a Champions League.
Alba's decision came just over a week after fellow former Barcelona star and another of Messi's close allies also announced his retirement.
Last month, Busquets announced that he would be bringing the curtain down on a glittering domestic and international career.
The 37-year-old was part of all-conquering Blaugrana and La Roja sides of the late 2000s and earlier 2010s that revolutionised the game with a play-style now known as tiki-taka.
Alongside his compatriots Andreas Iniesta and Xavi , Busquets formed arguably the greatest midfield three in history and enjoyed tremendous success, winning all major honours, including the World Cup, European Championship , Champions League and Spanish title.
'Thank you all, and thank you to football for so much. You will always be part of this beautiful story,' he wrote on Instagram on September 26, announcing his impending retirement.
The Spaniard is lined up to replace Jordi Alba who has announced his retirement on Tuesday
Alba's retirement announcement marks the loss of another close teammate for Messi
'I feel it's time to say goodbye to my career as a professional footballer. I've enjoyed this incredible story for almost 20 years, the one I always dreamed of.'
Busquets was a key, yet often overlooked, cog in the Barcelona machine that reigned supreme for the best part of a decade. He made a staggering 722 appearances for the Catalan club during a 15-year tenure that stretched from 2008 to 2023.
Busquets is also the player who has played alongside the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner most often. The pair has taken to the pitch 640 times in matches for Barca and Inter Miami.
With both Busquets and Alba set to bow out in South Florida, it casts doubt over Messi's future with the MLS side ahead of next year's World Cup, where his Argentina will look to defend their crown in the United States.
