Tottenham could ‘hijack’ Chelsea deal after ‘huge’ development
Tottenham are considering a late move to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons after missing out on Eberechi Eze, according to their former scout.
Mick Brown, who also worked as the chief scout at Man United and Blackburn and remains very well-connected at his former clubs, exclusively told Football Insider that the 22-year-old is one of the names on Spurs’ list of targets.
Thomas Frank remains determined to bring in a new attacking midfielder after losing James Maddison to a cruciate ligament injury, with work ongoing behind the scenes.
Spurs are the latest side to join the race after Football Insider revealed on 16 August that Man City could hijack Chelsea’s move for Simons before the window closes.
Enzo Maresca’s side have been long-term admirers of the Netherlands international but have so far been unable to reach an agreement with Leipzig, leaving the door open.
This comes after Football Insider first revealed in July that Simons has asked to leave Leipzig with Chelsea and Arsenal keeping tabs on his situation.
Tottenham could hijack Chelsea’s move to sign Xavi Simons
Brown told Football Insider on 22 August that Chelsea could accelerate their move to sign Simons if they can sell Christopher Nkunku before deadline day.
Now, the former scout who has a wealth of experience in top-level player recruitment after over a decade at Man United during their most successful period, has insisted their London rivals could swoop ahead as they plot a big-money deal.
“Missing out on Eze was a huge blow for Tottenham,” he told Football Insider.
“It’s a position the manager wants to strengthen because of the injury to James Maddison.
“But now they’re going to have to look at a few other options.
“I’m a bit worried about Tottenham and how they’ve struggled to get deals over the line, and I think too much of it has played out in the public eye.
“But one player I hear they’ve been looking at is Xavi Simons.
“I’ve heard good things about him, and he’s clearly a decent player because Chelsea have been interested in him for pretty much the whole summer.
“If Tottenham have identified him as an option, they’ll have to move quickly and quietly to get it done.
“They can’t afford to keep missing out on targets.
“If they want him, go and get him, and do it without making everybody aware of what you’re doing.”
Aston Villa respond as Spurs plot Morgan Rogers swoop
Simons is not the only attacking midfielder on Spurs’ radar this summer, however, as they plot an ambitious move to sign Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers.
Football Insider revealed on 26 August that Villa could reluctantly accept offers for Rogers after Spurs identified him as a late transfer target.
Unai Emery is not keen to lose the England international this summer, but there is a growing belief that his sale would allow them to strengthen their squad.
This comes after Football Insider has exclusively revealed that Tottenham are accelerating a move for Rogers and are hopeful of capitalising in Villa’s financial concerns.
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