Tottenham Hotspur are now eyeing a move to hijack Chelsea's move to sign RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons before the deadline, according to CaughtOffside.
The Lilywhites have started the Premier League season in picture-perfect fashion with two wins from two games, defeating both Burnley and Manchester City without conceding a goal. But Thomas Frank still wants to add to his squad before the transfer window closes to make them even stronger.
After a move for Eberechi Eze was hijacked by fierce rivals Arsenal last week, a number ten remains a top priority for the north London club, and Simons has emerged as a top target.
Tottenham Eyeing Xavi Simons Hijack
Simons, who has been described as a 'superstar', is expected to leave the Bundesliga club this summer as they look to raise funds after missing out on a place in this season's Champions League.
The Netherlands international has been heavily linked with a move to join Spurs' Premier League rivals Chelsea, with personal terms even agreed over a move to Stamford Bridge, but so far the Blues and Leipzig have failed to come to an agreement over a fee.
Now Spurs are planning to make a move of their own for the 22-year-old, and have made enquiries to Leipzig over what terms they would find acceptable to get a move to happen.
GIVEMESPORT Key Statistic: Xavi Simons has five goals in 28 caps for the Netherlands - including one in the EURO 2024 semi-finals vs England.
As things stand Chelsea are still the frontrunners for Simons' signature, as the former PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder is intent on moving to west London after agreeing personal terms.
But as a deal drags on towards the end of the window, Spurs are hopeful they will be able to convince him to go to north London instead.
Frank has so far added Mohammed Kudus and Joao Palhinha to his squad this summer, while a move to sign Eze isn't the first deal for a number ten that collapsed this summer. The club were also close to signing Morgan Gibbs-White earlier in the window, only for the player to make a U-turn and sign a new deal with Nottingham Forest following a legal challenge from the club.
The club also took a strong interest in Como playmaker Nico Paz, but saw a £60m+ bid rejected by the Serie A side this week, according to GIVEMESPORT senior reporter Fabrizio Romano.