Tottenham make last-gasp move to seal Xavi Simons transfer as Chelsea update emerges
Tottenham desperately need to sign an attacking midfielder before the transfer deadline, and have now set their sights on RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons.
Simons started as Leipzig were thrashed 6-0 by Bayern Munich on Friday, with Tottenham legend Harry Kane scoring a hat-trick.
The Dutch international is set to leave Leipzig, and Premier League rivals Chelsea appear to be closing in, but Tottenham are now aiming to hijack a deal of their own.
Chelsea have been in talks over a move for Simons for several weeks, but after Tottenham lost out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, Spurs have now made a desperate last-gasp move for the 22-year-old.
Tottenham move for Xavi Simons
Simons would be a high-profile replacement for the injured James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski, and he would arrive as a vital signing if Spurs can pull off a deal.
The Daily Mail has reported in its Sport print edition (August 23, page 5) that Chelsea are set for more talks with Leipzig despite late interest from Tottenham, with the Lilywhites set for their own move.
- Simons can play on both wings as well as in attacking midfield, and has provided 46 goals and assists in 78 games for Leipzig.
- The attacker has also shone in the Netherlands with PSV Eindhoven, with 33 goals and assists in 48 games.
Chelsea have already added to their options on the wing, and have Cole Palmer as a key starter at number 10, but are still eager to add Simons to their squad.
Tottenham could face Eberechi Eze repeat with Xavi Simons
Chelsea have been in talks with Leipzig for weeks, and it was recently reported that Simons is eager to join the Blues, rejecting interest from Bayern Munich and others.
With this in mind, this Spurs interest seems futile, and like Eze, Tottenham are setting themselves up for embarrassment by pursuing a player who may have no interest in joining.
If Spurs do make an offer for Simons and he chooses Chelsea anyway, it will be the latest in a whole line of Tottenham transfer blunders under Daniel Levy, except this one will have been entirely predictable.
However, if Simons is open to a move to Tottenham, they must do all they can to recruit him as a potentially ideal addition across the attacking line.
If not, it appears as though Savinho is still the backup option.
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