When Diego Alonso was appointed as the first ever manager of Inter Miami, it came with the understanding that fireworks were not expected with immediate effect. However, David Beckham and the other powers-that-be in Florida would have envisaged more than seven wins from their first 23 matches, a return which ultimately led to the Uruguayan being removed from his position in the dugout. That has led to the appointment of Phil Neville, who has left his role with England Women to try his hand in the men's game. Having finished in 19th position in their first campaign, there is hope that Inter Miami can only improve, but which players could Neville attempt to sign in a bid to change their fortunes?
Just like punters do when using an online casino, Neville will be looking to hit the jackpot with a big-name addition, and the best option appears to be Manchester City forward Sergio Aguero. The legendary Argentine is currently free to speak with foreign clubs ahead of potentially departing the Etihad Stadium in June, and an exit appears increasing likely given his recent time spent out of Pep Guardiola's starting lineup. In order to facilitate such an ambitious deal, Inter Miami would have to offload his compatriot Gonzalo Higuain, who has so far failed to make an impact since his switch from Juventus. If Miami can find a buyer for one of their three designated players, it would free up space for negotiations to be held with a player in Aguero who could be motivated to take on a new challenge.
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After the retirement of Luis Robles, signing a new goalkeeper is also on Neville's agenda, and there has been speculation regarding a potential deal for Everton goalkeeper Jonas Lossl. While the Danish stopper appears to be the favourite at this stage, Neville may also consider a bid for Crystal Palace's Wayne Hennessey. The Wales international has dropped down to third choice at Selhurst Park since the arrival of Jack Butland, making it clear that he does not have a future at the club. The 33-year-old will not be short of offers, especially from Championship clubs, but he is an obvious option for any MLS clubs who wish to introduce experience between the sticks.
Hennessey's Eagles teammate Andros Townsend is another player who may be on Neville's radar. Palace are due for a shake-up at the end of the season and Townsend is one of the players who could leave on a free transfer. At this stage, a transfer to another Premier League club in the South of England is likely to be the winger's preferred option, but the 29-year-old may feel that he has achieved all that he can in English football.
In a perfect world, Neville would be targeting as many players from British shores as possible, but the financial restrictions in place in the MLS means that he has to take several things into consideration. Players who have no chance of returning to the fold at their current clubs may be willing to take pay-cuts in order to take any opportunity presented to them from the United States, something which could apply to Everton winger Yannick Bolasie and Aston Villa midfielder Henri Lansbury. Having missed out on a loan switch to Championship side Middlesbrough, Bolasie is in limbo after not making a first-team appearance, on loan at Sporting Lisbon, since February 27, while Lansbury has only featured on four occasions in 12 months, three of which have been in the EFL Cup.
