Tottenham Hotspur have joined Chelsea in the race to sign RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons this summer, according to Bild.
The Blues have been pursuing the attacking midfielder for several weeks.
At the weekend, Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schäfer confirmed talks with the Club World Cup winners. He also hinted Simons is keen on joining Chelsea.
They now face competition from Tottenham as Bild state Thomas Frank’s side are ‘getting involved’ in the battle for the 22-year-old.
He’s keen on leaving the Bundesliga club and his goal is to make a switch to the Premier League. It was expected the player would move to Stamford Bridge, but Simons has been training with Leipzig as they haven’t received a formal bid so far.
Tottenham are showing interest in the Netherlands international and have asked about signing him. The report says the Europa League winners competing with Chelsea pleases Leipzig as they look to get him ‘off their payroll’.
According to Bild, the Dutchman’s brother, Faustino, has been advising him since May. The latter is still inexperienced and has now tasked English agent Ali Barat with helping his brother secure a move to the Premier League.
Chelsea have tried to conclude the operation by including Christopher Nkunku as part of the deal. This hasn’t pleased the German club and the report explains the Blues’ move for Xavi has now stalled.
Tottenham can take advantage of this and make advances quickly, provided they convince the player. Earlier claims reported he’s desperate to join Enzo Maresca’s side and has agreed personal terms with them.
Whether Spurs have a genuine interest or if they are being used to put pressure on the Blues remains to be seen.