Manchester United are reportedly ramping up their pursuit of Paris Saint-Germain talent Xavi Simons after his heroics at Euro 2024.
The Netherlands were dumped out of the competition by England on Wednesday, with Ollie Watkins’ extremely late goal proving decisive.
Simons’ stunner in the seventh minute gave the Dutch team the lead but they couldn’t hold on to their advantage as Harry Kane restored parity just 11 minutes later. Watkins would go on to win it for the Three Lions and send them to the final, where they will face Spain.
Simons spent the 2023/24 season out on loan with RB Leipzig. His spell in Germany was very successful. The player registered eight goals and 11 assists in 32 top-flight games. Across all competitions, he managed 10 goals and 13 assists.
Unsurprisingly, his performances alerted several top clubs to his potential availability this summer. In addition to Leipzig who want him back, the player has also been strongly linked to other clubs such as Arsenal, Manchester City, Barcelona and Bayern Munich.
A report covered by The Peoples Person last month relayed that United had approached PSG to explore the possibility of getting a deal for Simons over the line.
It was claimed that last summer, the 21-year-old turned down the Red Devils even after they had struck an agreement with PSG over his transfer at around the €60 million mark.
According to The Sun, United are lining up a “shock move” for Simons as they aim to successfully land him ahead of other interested parties chasing his signature.
The newspaper states, Xavi Simons faces a big decision over his future now he is out of the Euros – with Manchester United hot on his heels.”
“PSG are yet to decide on Simons’ future but given the 21-year-old is eager for consistent game-time, there is a good chance he departs the Parc de Princes this summer.”
“It will depend on whether boss Luis Enrique wants to make him a regular – but with a vast array of attacking talent at the Spaniard’s disposal, and more expected to arrive this summer, that is in doubt.”
“Any exit would almost certainly be a loan at first, with an obligation to buy, as there is understood to be a hefty sell-on clause for former club PSV Eindhoven which expires at the end of 2024.”
The Sun notes that PSG would demand a fee in the region of £70m to permanently part ways with Simons amidst his rapid development.
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