New MLS franchise Los Angeles FC are eyeing a Premier League raid ahead of their inaugural season.

The club plans to enter the MLS for the start of the 2018 season and have accelerated their efforts to put together a squad capable of competing with the more established franchises.

And Sportsmail has learned that officials from the Californian-based club have invited various leading British-based intermediaries over to LA for discussions as they plot their player recruitment strategy.

Los Angeles FC were announced in 2014 and join the MLS ahead of the start of the 2018 season

Los Angeles chiefs know they’ll require marquee signings ahead of their first season in order to make a biggest impact possible.

And the emerging franchise have started the process of improving links with the English transfer market ahead of their launch next year.

Sportsmail revealed last month how the Los Angeles FC had launched a move for Zlatan Ibrahimovic ahead of their first season.

Los Angeles FC made a move to sign striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic from Manchester United

The MLS has managed to recruit some high profile British-based players in the past; David Beckham, Frank Lampard and Robbie Keane among the names to have played in the USA.

Announced in 2014, LAFC will play at the newly-build Banc of California Stadium - which seats 22,000 spectators.