Tata Martino reportedly personally approached Marcos Rojo to bring the Argentine defender to Inter Miami this month.
The former Manchester United centre-back emerged as a target for the Herons as Inter Miami have now begun their search for defensive signings having already added Luis Suarez to the roster.
And Rojo was clearly an option that was wanted by Inter Miami, with Martino taking action into his own hands to sign the Boca Juniors defender, according to Marca.
However, as we know, the 33-year-old centre-back rejected the call from Inter Miami, with Rojo expected to stay in Argentina for the January transfer window.
Indeed, whilst Rojo rejecting Inter Miami is a blow for the Herons, there are still numerous defenders the Florida franchise can target this month.
The stature of the club with Lionel Messi on their books means Inter Miami won’t struggle to sign a top defender, and one who could be a better fit for Martino than Rojo.
Inter Miami can sign a better defender than Marcos Rojo
Whilst Rojo’s reputation as a South American ‘warrior’ is easy to understand given his style of play, the Herons’ defensive search doesn’t start and end with the 33-year-old.
A former Premier League and Argentine international, of course, would have flourished in MLS, yet Inter Miami know they can find an alternative in Rojo in the market.
As we know, the market has only just opened, and Inter Miami have time and resources to sign an exceptional defender or two this window.