Manchester United are looking to hijack Bayern Munich’s move for Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Xavi Simons, a report from France has claimed.
21-year-old Simons enjoyed an impressive loan spell with RB Leipzig last season, racking up ten goals and 15 assists in 43 appearances, and maintained that form this summer at Euro 2024 with the Netherlands.
Bayern are known to be interested in getting a deal for Simons over the line, but French publication L’Equipe now claim they will have to fend off competition from United to do so.
It is claimed that United failed with a €50m bid for Simons last summer and have returned once again to try and lure the Dutch midfielder to Old Trafford at the second time of asking.
United and PSG have already held lengthy talks over a move for another midfielder, the defensive-minded Manuel Ugarte, who is valued at over €60m (£50.6m).
Sky Sports Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg claims Simons has been identified as Bayern’s top target for the remainder of the summer transfer window, with Rennes youngster Desire Doue currently only seen as a potential alternative.
Bayern are trying to get a deal over the line this summer but could even consider waiting until 2025, when negotiations could be simpler.
Simons’ former employers, PSV Eindhoven, are due a share of any sale if Simons leaves the club this summer, whereas a departure in 2025 would not involve the Dutch side whatsoever, so selling in 12 months could be more appealing to PSG.
As for United, their focus is still believed to be on Simons’ teammate Ugarte, who has already agreed personal terms with the Red Devils, and central defender Matthijs de Ligt. A deal for Lille teenager Leny Yoro was wrapped up on Thursday, but manager Erik ten Hag is expected to reinforce his options further after the departures of Raphael Varane and Willy Kambwala.
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