Manchester City are thought to be in the hunt for RB Leipzig and PSG star Xavi Simons in the summer transfer window – however, they will face competition from local rivals Manchester United, following news that the Red Devils have ‘made contact’ with Simons’ agents.
This is according to a report from the Daily Express. United tried to sign the 21-year-old last summer in the form of a loan deal, but he opted to make the jump to Leipzig instead.
This time, it is unclear if they want to snap him up on loan or on a permanent basis, with various sources reporting contrasting details. Likewise, it is not clear as to what City’s intentions are for the former Barcelona academy product – if they want to pick him up on a permanent transfer, they will most likely have to part ways with an enormous sum of money to secure his services.
Given City’s ongoing Financial Fair Play battle, which hangs over the club like a dark cloud, they may be reluctant to make such a large spending commitment at this stage. Due to this, should they aim to sign Simons, it is much more likely to be via a loan deal.
City and United aren’t the only two clubs in pursuit of Simons’ signature – Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Chelsea have also been linked with a move for the player.
What would Xavi Simons bring to Manchester City?
One of the best young creative players in the world, Simons has a knack for unlocking even the tightest of defences. Last season, he scored eight goals in the Bundesliga and notched up 13 assists along the way.
He also enjoyed a modicum of success in the Champions League, scoring two goals and picking up two assists during their eight games in Europe’s top competition.
