David Beckham has revealed that his Inter Miami side are unlikely to bring in a "big-name" striker until the summer transfer window, with the former Manchester United man's new Major League Soccer franchise having been linked with a move for Paris Saint-Germain's Edinson Cavani .
Miami are set to kick off their maiden season in the United States' top flight with a trip to Los Angeles on March 1 as they take on LAFC.
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Beckham's side have attempted to sign accordingly as they begin a new adventure, with Rodolfo Pizarro and Matias Pellegrini brought in as two of the club's three designated players.
A third DP, likely a striker, is still being sought, with PSG's Cavani – who will become a free agent in the summer – amongst the list of marquee names being touted as Miami's first globally-recognised player.
And Beckham has further fuelled speculation that the Uruguayan could be on the move, stating that a permanent signing would likely be made in the summer rather than ahead of Miami's MLS opener.
“We’re Miami, so people are always going to talk about the big-name players, what DPs are we going to bring in?” Beckham told the Miami Herald .
“We’re more than happy with the squad of players we’ve got. If we do bring another one or two players in before that, then great, but I think we’re looking toward the summer. This is a long-term project.
“We’re going to be here for many, many years to come, so that longevity is an important part for us. I don’t think anyone will be frustrated we don’t have a big-name player for the first game.”
Fellow co-owner Jorge Mas echoed the sentiments of the former England icon, making it clear that a signing will be made based more on goalscoring potential rather than just to increase the visibility of the club's brand.
“In all probability, everyone has been expecting a really big name, someone from Europe,” Mas added. “There’s a possibility we wait until the summer window for that [number] nine.
“A nine, in all likelihood, our main DP will probably be either in the summer window or we’ll have some type of loan transaction in the short term.
“We’re looking at someone who can score north of 25 goals. This is about winning. This isn’t just about bringing in a name for marketing and PR and selling a thousand more jerseys. That’s not the objective.
“There are very high-profile players who we’re extremely interested in. We’ve been linked to a lot of them. We’re looking for a 9, and I think that’s where our final DP spot will go.”
