Inter Miami stance on Sergio Ramos and Jesse Lingard signings clear

04 July 2023 , 22:34

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Sergio Ramos has been linked with a move to Inter Miami following the conclusion of his contract with Paris Saint-Germain (Image: Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Speculation that Inter Miami's incoming superstars Lionel Messi and Sergio Busquets could be joined by two high-profile former teammates has been dashed.

Last month, the ambitious MLS outfit surprised the football world by pulling off a landmark deal to bring Argentinian icon Messi to South Beach, fending off competition from Barcelona as well as the free-spending Saudi Pro League. Then, not content with having captured the services of one Camp Nou legend to DRV PNK Stadium, they have also secured the signature of midfield maestro Busquets.

Following on from this, a host of household names have been linked with a move to join the Herons, with former Real Madrid enforcer Sergio Ramos chief among them. The 37-year-old defensive colossus will leave Paris Saint-Germain this summer after two years at the club, with Spanish outlet Sport having reported that the Spanish veteran was in talks with Inter Miami.

On top of this, it had been suggested that Jesse Lingard attacking midfielder could make a move stateside after he was spotted at the team's practice facilities. The 32-time England international was released by Nottingham Forest at the end of June following one season at the City Ground.

However, any speculation that the pair could be on their way to join Messi and Busquets in the US has been dismissed. The Miami Herald have now rubbished recent reports linking the Herons with the pair.

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Speaking previously to the Miami Herald, outspoken Inter Miami co-owner Jorge Mas said he was determined to bring more quality additions to the Floridan franchise over the coming months.

Jesse Lingard is a free agent after leaving Nottingham Forest (Getty Images)

Teasing that club chiefs may even spring further surprises this summer, he said: "We have been preparing for Messi's arrival in 2023, and we have left a huge amount of flexibility in the accounts. We will make more signings this summer, more than people expect."

He added: "We don't have to revolutionize the squad, but I can say we will potentially make between three and five signings."

Two players who the billionaire businessman did not fully rule out signing in the coming months are former Barcelona stars Jordi Alba, who recently departed Camp Nou as a free agent, and Luis Suarez, who is currently turning out for Brazilian outfit Gremio. The outspoken tycoon again informed El Pais that "two or three more players" will arrive this summer, while acknowledging that Alba had been spoken to and admitting that a deal for Suarez may be slightly more difficult to complete.

Tom Beattie