Inter Miami have stepped aside in the race to sign Kevin De Bruyne, clearing the way for Chicago Fire to lead the pursuit of the departing Manchester City midfielder should he opt for a move to Major League Soccer.

Miami had previously held exclusive negotiation rights with the 33-year-old through MLS’s 'discovery list' system, but sources have confirmed to BBC Sport that the club has chosen not to initiate talks before the mid-July deadline.

As a result, a potential reunion with Lionel Messi, Luis Suárez, and Sergio Busquets in Florida is now off the table.

With Miami out of the picture, Chicago Fire now hold the priority to negotiate with De Bruyne, who announced in April that he would be leaving City at the end of the season when his contract expires.

Reports suggest his representatives are preparing to meet with the MLS club, who currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference standings.

The Belgian midfielder, who expressed surprise at not receiving a contract extension from City, departs after a decorated spell at the Etihad.

His time in Manchester has seen him collect 16 major trophies, including six Premier League titles and a Champions League crown in 2023.