A respected Manchester United source has revealed the club tried to scupper one of Paris Saint-Germain’s already agreed transfers, Tottenham have been “surprised” by Bayern’s comments regarding Harry Kane, while Monday’s Euro Paper Talk includes a Manchester City star , who tells Pep Guardiola he is leaving ‘tomorrow’.
SUPPORT MAN UTD MOVEMENT EXPLAINED
Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed that Man Utd tried to sign Dutch sensation Xavi Simons from PSV, only for the attacking midfielder to end up agreeing a return from PSG.
Simons came through the Barcelona academy but joined PSG U19s on a free transfer in the summer of 2019. He eventually broke into PSG’s senior squad but made just 11 appearances for the French giants before joining PSV on a permanent deal last summer .
Simons turned down the offer of a new contract with PSG and joined the Eredivisie side on a five-year deal. Although a buy-back option for PSG was included in the transfer.
Simons has shined while operating in his native country, registering 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 games. What makes that record even more exciting is that he’s still only 20 years old, which means he’s only going to get better.
On March 13, it was suggested that Man Utd could move for the five-cap Netherlands international and make him a long-term successor to Bruno Fernandes. Arsenal quickly joined Man Utd in the pursuit of the striker after scouting him on several occasions.
On June 22, Spanish outlet Sports world claimed Man Utd would battle Arsenal and Tottenham for Simons after finding out that PSV had set his price tag at €30m. (£25.7m).
Unfortunately for all three Premier League clubs, PSG have won the race for him by agreeing to take him back to Ligue 1. Romano states that PSG have triggered the €6m (£5.1m) buy-back clause.
Red Devils talking about Xavi Simons swoop, insider says
And Germany’s RB Leipzig are the “favourites” to take Simons on loan ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.
But during an interview with Caught OffsideRomano has explained how things could have been very different, with Man Utd previously making contact over Simons’ availability.
“Erik ten Hag knows that [Sofyan] Amrabat is on the market and could be one to watch but is not a priority and there is also an awareness that Fiorentina are difficult to negotiate with so he will not come cheap. He is one of a number of names on United’s list in that regard [midfield] position,” Romano revealed.
“Another player that was looked at earlier this summer was Xavi Simons, who is now returning to PSG after they triggered their buy-back clause with PSV. It was just contact between Man United and Xavi Simon’s side to understand what that happened between PSV, PSG and more.
“Man Utd value Simons and wanted to be informed about his situation, but nothing is happening because they already have many players in his position and he will probably go on loan to RB Leipzig as his next move.”
For now it looks like Man Utd will have to abandon their pursuit of Simons. They already have a new attacking midfielder to use anyway, with Mason Mount recently joining the club in a £60m deal.
Although it cannot be ruled out that Simons will join Man Utd at some point in the future. The main reason he left PSG the first time was because he wasn’t getting enough first-team opportunities. If he does not play regularly for the next two seasons, it would not be a surprise if the prodigy pushed to leave PSG for a second time.
EYE OPENING HARRY KANE COMMENTS GET TOTTENHAM RESPONSE
Tottenham have been “surprised” by the comments of Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness, who recently claimed Harry Kane has signaled his desire to join the Bundesliga giants. (image)
Aston Villa will soon make another bid for Bayer Leverkusen wide man Moussa Diaby after having their first bid rejected. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will compete with them for the signature. (RMC Sports)
Roma are ready to drop their interest in West Ham striker Gianluca Scamacca and have identified Alvaro Morata as an alternative target. (Gazzetta dello Sport)
Willian will return to Fulham this summer after rejecting interest from Nottingham Forest and agreeing a new deal with the Cottagers. (Fabrizio Romano)
Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci will train alone in pre-season as the Bianconeri aim to get him off their books. He has been linked with a surprise move to Newcastle. (Football Italia)
MAN CITY LOST SOON FIVE-TIME PREM WINNER
Right-back Kyle Walker will tell Man City boss Pep Guardiola ‘tomorrow’ that he wants to leave the club and join Bayern. (Sky Germany)
Atletico Madrid are ‘well placed’ to capture midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Tottenham. Atleti have also discussed signing Marco Verratti, Sofyan Amrabat or Martin Zubimendi, but Hojbjerg is their most attainable target. (Feel)
Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea career is ‘100 per cent over’, with Mauricio Pochettino and Blues board both agreeing on decision. (Fabrizio Romano)
Spain midfielder Diego Llorente has revealed he always wanted to return to Roma after leaving Leeds this summer. (La Roma 24)
Arsene Wenger has backed his former club Arsenal to get past City next season and finally end their wait for another Premier League title. (Eurosport)
STARS ‘SAY GOODBYE TO TEAMMATES’ BEFORE CHANGING OUT
Andre Onana has said goodbye to his Inter team-mates today as his move to Man Utd approaches. (FC Inter News)
Forest have increased their offer for Botafogo centre-forward Matheus Nascimento, 19. The new proposal is worth €10m (£8.5m) and is likely to be accepted. (Vene Casagrande)
Chelsea to make fresh bid to try and sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo ahead of Man Utd and Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)
Former Liverpool youth player Yasser Larouci is close to signing for Sheffield United from Troyes. (L’Equipe)
Arsenal will allow 21-year-old goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to leave on a permanent basis this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)