RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons.
(Image: Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/DeFodi Images via Getty Images)

Man United 'handed' Xavi Simons transfer opportunity as Dan Ashworth 'eyes' talented youngster

20 Sep 2024, 05:00 by Stephen Killen · Manchester Evening News

Manchester United made contact over a move for RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons in the summer, according to Fabrizio Romano.

It has been reported that there is still interest in the talent but the 21-year-old still faces an uncertain future after returning to the Bundesliga with Die Roten Bullen. Simons is on loan in Germany from Paris Saint-Germain after failing to break into the Parisiens starting 11.

Despite marking his comeback to the German top flight, it has been said that his future remains unclear and could be subject to speculation from next season. Erik ten Hag's side enjoyed a busy summer in the transfer window signing Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui from Bayern Munich, as well as Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.

It remains to be seen whether United will push through in the pursuit to sign the Dutch international but Romano has hinted that his future may come under scrutiny next summer. Speaking on his YouTube channel, he said: "Xavi Simons decided to continue in Germany to give an opportunity again to Leipzig to win titles there and then in summer 2025 he will formally return to PSG.

"But remember this, the expectation is still for Xavi Simons to try something different in summer 2025. Never say never in football so PSG will have their chances but all I'm hearing is that the situation of Xavi Simons could be open again in summer 2025 to clubs maybe from Premier League, clubs maybe from La Liga.

"The situation could be open again in summer 20205. We had many many rumours, my information is that Manchester United at some point of the market, especially in June before the Euros, called to understand the situation.

"(It was) Something like, 'Okay what's going on here? Does the player want to go to England?' But never started a negotiation.

"Because for Xavi it was very clear it was going to be again, Germany. Staying in the same country and then moving to something different, probably, from summer 2025.

"We had many rumours because he's a Dutch player and Ten Hag, but they called to be informed on the situation but nothing else. Interest, of course, in a wonderful talent, but nothing else."

Meanwhile, United are reportedly face a battle to sign Southampton star Tyler Dibling.

According to Give Me Sport, United are among the Premier League clubs keeping tabs on the 18-year-old but their efforts to sign the Saints midfielder could be in vain as Russell Martin's side plot a move to tie the youngster down.

Dibling is said to be catching the eye with his early showings in the Premier League, as he featured in the 3-0 defeat to Erik ten Hag's side at the weekend. The Saints, who have had the Exeter-born youngster three times in their academy, are reportedly eyeing a fresh long-term deal to swat away interest from around the Premier League.

United sporting director Dan Ashworth is said to be a long-term admirer of the midfielder and United, it has been reported, could be tempted to try and persuade the 18-year-old, who has one year remaining on his deal at St Mary's.

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