RB Leipzig will accept offers of around €70m (£59m) for Manchester United target Xavi Simons, according to journalist Christian Falk.
Writing in his Fact Files column for Caught Offside, Falk said that the Red Devils have shown “concrete” interest in the Netherlands international before but there are doubts over whether they can afford him this summer:
“It’s clear any offer needs to be over €50m – €60m wouldn’t be enough, but if it gets to €70m, they can’t say no to Xavi if he wants to make the next step to the Premier League. Everyone knows that he’s going to make this step but it’s not clear if he makes the move this summer or the next. There has to be a club very concrete on him. Manchester City like him, but United were, in the past, always a concrete option.”
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“It’s not so easy with money at the moment at United of course, so we have to see if there’s a club around willing to pay €70m. Simons is playing well but he’s not playing at a world-class level at the moment, so we have to see.”
Simons has caught the eye with his performances for Leipzig
The Dutchman has spent a lengthy spell on the sidelines with injury this season but he has looked impressive since his return to fitness in January.
In his last 11 league appearances, Simons has scored 5 times and contributed 3 assists. He was involved in both goals as Leipzig beat Borussia Dortmund 2-0 last weekend.
United need to sign a No.10
Ruben Amorim’s system relies on two players playing either side of a striker who can cause problems for opponents in between the lines.
Simons does look perfectly suited for that role, considering his profile. At 21, he is also the right age with the Red Devils looking to target young players. As Falk points out, though, the main obstacle is the asking price.
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