Miami Beckham United, the group behind proposals to launch an Major League Soccer (MLS) club in Miami, has secured a site for a 25,000-capacity stadium following an 18-month search.

Led by former England captain David Beckham, the group has selected a site in the Little Havana district, next to Marlins Park – the home of Major League Baseball club Miami Marlins.

While exact details of the stadium and its design are to be confirmed, the group has previously revealed that the venue will be financed privately and built on city-owned land at an estimated cost of around US$200m (€182m, £128m).

After a meeting with Beckham United ownership, Miami mayor Tomas Regalado said a tentative deal had now been agreed with the club to construct the stadium.

A Beckham United spokesperson called the development "another step forward"

He said: "We're still in the early planning stages and several viable options still exist, but our preferred stadium location is now the former Orange Bowl site (adjacent to Marlins Park).

“We’re thrilled by the initial outpouring of support we've received from our fans and we're excited about sharing our plans with the City, County and community soon."

The as yet unnamed Miami franchise is expected to enter the MLS for the start of the 2018 season.