Tottenham have reportedly entered the race to sign a long-term Chelsea target after missing out on Eberechi Eze to Arsenal.
Thomas Frank’s side, who also saw a move for Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White fail to come to fruition, are eager to strengthen in midfield before the closure of the transfer window.
As reported by The Telegraph, RB Leipzig’s Xavi Simons, who has been heavily linked with Chelsea this summer, has now emerged as a target for Tottenham.
There have been doubts regarding whether Chelsea will be able to finalise a deal for the 22-year-old before the deadline.
Leipzig are open to selling Simons, who is believed to favour a move to Chelsea.
However, he may be willing to join Tottenham, with Chelsea reportedly having to sell more players if a move is to go ahead.
Tottenham are reportedly interested in a move for RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons
Although Simons has appeared close to joining Chelsea, Thomas Frank wants to sign him
Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea reportedly need to sign more players if they are to bring in Simons
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The German club are believed to want £60million for Simons, who will also have significant wage demands.
Another midfielder, Maghnes Akliouche, is also being tracked by Tottenham.
The 23-year-old has received his first callup to the France senior squad for games against Ukraine and Iceland.
Tottenham were especially frustrated to miss out on Eze to Arsenal when the England international appeared close to joining them from Crystal Palace.
Simons has less than two years remaining on his contract at Leipzig, with the Netherlands midfielder’s future appearing to lie elsewhere.
He started his senior career at Paris Saint-Germain and had a spell at PSV before returning to PSG and subsequently joining Leipzig on loan.
Simons signed for Leipzig permanently in January this year but informed the club in May that he wanted to depart after they failed to qualify for the Champions League.
Tottenham will be competing in Europe’s elite club competition, which could be appealing for Simons.
Tottenham are also tracking another midfielder in Monaco’s Maghnes Akliouche
Mohammed Kudus has been the main arrival for Tottenham so far in this transfer window, while Kevin Danso and Mathys Tel made their loan moves permanent.
Joao Palhinha has also arrived from Bayern Munich in a loan move with an option for a permanent transfer.
