Neville in advanced talks over new job five months after being sacked by Beckham's Miami

The 46-year-old was axed by old friend and former teammate David Beckham in June, but is now said to be close to a return to Major League Soccer in the Portland Timbers dugout.

Neville was appointed as the fledgling club's only second manager in their history in January 2021 following his resignation as England Women boss.

He took Miami to the play-offs in his second season in charge, but a run of poor form cost him his job in June 2023.

Beckham's side then busted the bank to bring in ex-Barcelona stars Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, but Neville didn't get the chance to coach the legendary trio, with former Barca and Argentina coach Gerardo Martino named his replacement.

Explaining the decision to give Neville the boot, Beckham said: "Sometimes in this game we have to make the toughest decisions and sadly we feel the time is right to make a change.

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"I want to personally thank Phil for his hard work, his passion for our club and for his integrity as a person."

After leaving his role in Florida, Neville went north to become the new assistant manager of the Canada national team for the CONCACAF Nations League final, which they lost to the United States, and Gold Cup, where they were also beaten by USA in the quarter-finals.

The 59 cap England international is now keen to return to Major League Soccer, and has been linked with Boston-based New England Revolution.

But The Athletic claim he is close to being named the new manager of Portland Timbers.

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Portland finished tenth in the Western Conference this season, missing out on a play-off spot by just one point.

And it appears Neville will have his work cut out for him this winter, with the club set for a rebuild with several key players expected to depart.

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