Inter Miami CF holds the discovery rights for Manchester City player Kevin De Bruyne, sources have told ESPN, setting up a possible scenario in which the Belgian playmaker could join Lionel Messi in south Florida.

The player recently announced on social media that he would be leaving Man City at the end of the season when his contract with the English club expires. The 33-year-old has been with the four-time defending Premier League champions since 2015.

De Bruyne will be a free agent after the expiration of his contract and since Inter Miami hold his discovery rights in MLS, it is the team that has the first chance to negotiate with him if he chose to play in North America's top flight.

MLS rules state that clubs can sign up to five players to their discovery list at any given time. By listing a player, that particular team holds the exclusive right to begin negotiations first without competition from other MLS clubs.

The Belgium international had previously been linked to 2025 MLS expansion team San Diego FC last summer, but sporting director Tyler Heaps shut down the idea of his arrival due to financial concerns.

"I've had conversations with him, but I'll tell you what; those wages won't fit our budget at the moment in terms of what his expectations are," said Heaps at the time.

The Herons already boast a star-studded roster with Messi, Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets, but could use the experience of De Bruyne when competing in international tournaments in 2025.