Manchester United have looked at RB Leipzig playmaker Xavi Simons, but could now see him sign for Premier League rivals Chelsea.
Manchester United’s attacking revamp took a major step forward on Monday as Bryan Mbeumo finalised his move to Old Trafford.
Mbeumo has been handed the number 19 shirt after United finally reached an agreement to sign the Cameroon star from Brentford.
Mbeumo should slot right in as a number 10 under Ruben Amorim, but he has shown the quality to play as a striker during his time at Brentford.
That may leave United to consider another number 10 down the line, especially with Marcus Rashford’s move to Barcelona now confirmed.
Juventus want Jadon Sancho, and Antony is being eyed by Atletico Madrid, so there could be room for another attacking signing to support a striker.
Chelsea prioritising Xavi Simons over Alejandro Garnacho
Italian reports suggest United are still keen on Bologna’s Dan Ndoye, and Xavi Simons is another name on the Old Trafford radar.
Reports from April suggested that United were keen to sign Simons from RB Leipzig and had maintained contact over a potential £67million move.
United have pressed ahead to sign Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, but a player of Simons’ quality is always going to be on the radar.
However, United may now face Simons in the Premier League this season, as Chelsea are pressing ahead with a move to sign the Dutchman.
Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea’s priority is to sign Simons – ahead of United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
Chelsea are showing an interest in Garnacho, and the Argentinian is believed to be prioritising a Premier League move.
A move to Stamford Bridge could fade away, though, especially as Chelsea have already signed a winger in Jamie Gittens.
Adding Simons would surely rule Chelsea out of the mix for Garnacho and also dent United’s potential striker pursuit.
Manchester United’s Nicolas Jackson hopes impacted
United have been linked with Nicolas Jackson, whose Chelsea future looks unclear.
Chelsea signed Liam Delap earlier this summer and then added Joao Pedro from Brighton and Hove Albion.
Jackson has slipped down the pecking order and could leave Chelsea before the summer transfer deadline.
United have spoken to Jackson’s agent to discuss a potential move, but signing the Senegalese forward won’t be easy.
United are working with a tight budget, and reports of a potential Garnacho for Jackson swap could now be scuppered.
Simons may not have been a top priority after signing Cunha and Mbeumo, but his potential move to Chelsea could hit United on two fronts, taking an option away from Garnacho and making a deal for Jackson even trickier.
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