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Chicago Fire have taken the lead over MLS rivals Inter Miami in the race for Kevin De Bruyne after offering him close to what he earns at Manchester City.

That’s according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who reports that Chicago Fire have offered the Manchester City icon designated player status with conditions close to his current deal at the Etihad.

De Bruyne is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season, announcing his departure last month with his current deal set to expire.

It had been assumed that the Belgian midfielder would head to Saudi Arabia or MLS, where several sides are believed to be keen on him. Inter Miami had been seen as the likely destination and had even put themselves in front by claiming his rights ahead of a move.

Tavolieri, though, reports that Chicago Fire have taken the lead over Inter Miami by putting a designated player status deal on the table. Inter Miami, meanwhile, are still looking for ways in which they could afford to offer De Bruyne a contract similar to his current Manchester City deal.

Thus, they have fallen behind and Chicago Fire are pressing ahead, going further than the competition in negotiations. De Bruyne, for his part, has not decided on his future as yet.

He could decide to remain in the Premier League or move elsewhere in Europe, but while he decides, Chicago Fire are making moves to tempt him to MLS.