TBR Football can now exclusively provide the latest on Xavi Simons after Tottenham entered the race for the Dutchman.
Spurs have already missed out on Morgan Gibbs-White and Eberechi Eze as the hunt for a new central attacking midfielder proves difficult.
However, sources now confirm to TBR Football that Tottenham are starting to make progress with a move to sign Xavi Simons from RB Leipzig – after Chelsea stalled over the deal.
Exclusive: Xavi Simons keen to explore Tottenham move
Graeme Bailey – Chief Correspondent for TBR Football – can now reveal that the Netherlands international is happy to stop waiting for Chelsea and join Tottenham.
Simons was keen on a move to Chelsea after two seasons in the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig, although the Blues have made little progress when it comes to meeting the £60m valuation.
We understand this delay led his representatives to speak to other clubs, with Tottenham now interested in advancing a deal.
Simons had agreed personal terms with Chelsea, but it is understood the RB Leipzig No.10 is not prepared to wait any longer, and is willing to engage with Tottenham after becoming aware N17 is an option for him this summer.
The 22-year-old scored 11 goals and provided eight assists in 33 appearances across all competitions last season.
Simons is understood to have missed training on Thursday, although sources close to RB Leipzig are yet to confirm whether he was allowed to be absent.
Xavi Simons already has a familiar face to greet him at Tottenham
If Spurs manage to sign Simons, Micky van de Ven can help him settle down in north London.
The pair have previously played 11 games together for the Netherlands – even dating back to when they appeared for the Netherlands U21 side – so there is history between the two Dutchmen.
Simons can also speak to other Dutchmen such as Arnaut Danjuma, Steven Bergwijn and Rafael van der Vaart to see what life in Tottenham is like before making this move.
What Rafael van der Vaart has said about Xavi Simons
Speaking about Van der Vaart, the Tottenham cult hero has actually already shared his opinion on the RB Leipzig maestro.
Back in March 2023, Van der Vaart said Simons was a “world class” prospect, telling Voetbal International: “It is starting to get a bit boring that it’s (all) about him every week, but it’s nice (for the Netherlands) to have a player like that.”
“Very few players can do this in such a small space, accept, turn and shoot the ball on the bar.
“I look at the potential. How good can someone become in the future? With Xavi Simons, everything (I see) makes me very happy. Absolutely (he is a world class talent).”