Newcastle are one of the clubs weighing up a move for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons, according to reports in Germany.
The Dutchman only joined his current team on a permanent deal for an initial €50m (£43m) at the start of this year but the player has just two years left on his contract.
Sport Bild (via Sport Witness) claim that Leipzig are hoping to offload Simons for €70m (£60m) and the Magpies are among the contenders to secure his signature.
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Arsenal, Manchester United, Tottenham and Barcelona are also said to be in the frame but the 22-year-old’s asking price is likely to put off many clubs.
Simons has been described as “exceptional”
Speaking about the Netherlands international last year, Bayern Munich’s sporting director Christoph Freund lavished praise on the forward:
“I think he’s going to have a really good career at the highest level. He has everything, mentality, character and is just an exceptional player.”
Simons had a good 2024/25 campaign, scoring 11 goals and providing 8 assists in 33 appearances, but Leipzig’s failure to qualify for Europe means they are looking to raise funds and he has been identified as the most saleable asset.
Newcastle have been pursuing a No.10 for several years
The interest in Simons is not that surprising. Manager Eddie Howe has had his eye on a playmaker for quite some time. The Magpies have targeted the likes of James Maddison and Dominik Szoboszlai in the past, only for them to join other teams. Aston Villa’s Jacob Ramsey has been linked more recently.
They may have more luck with Simons, though. Arsenal’s priority is a striker, while Man United are currently focused on snapping up Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo. Barcelona, meanwhile, want Nico Williams.
If it is a straight fight between Newcastle and Spurs, it may come down to who is prepared to shell out £60m.
In other news, the Magpies are worried that Chelsea will hijack their move for a £70m rated forward