Tottenham have held advanced talks with Leipzig over a move for Xavi Simons and are prepared to pay around €70million (£60m), talkSPORT understands.
Simons is currently in London with Leipzig’s permission to try and finalise a move to the Premier League.
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The Dutch attacker is open to joining Spurs despite his preference for much of the summer being a switch to Stamford Bridge.
Spurs held positive talks on Thursday and an agreement with Leipzig, and terms with Simons, are now close.
Simons had previously agreed terms with Chelsea, but there is no club-to-club agreement in place.
With two clubs active, Leipzig have insisted on €70m.
The German club paid PSG €50m in January, while a further €30m in add-ons were agreed, not all of which have been paid.
Could Chelsea hijack Spurs’ move for Simons?
Spurs will be wary of a late Chelsea counter and are trying to complete the deal quickly.
Chelsea have been reluctant all summer to pay €70m for Simons.
After selling Christopher Nkunku to Milan for €42m including add-ons, the Blues’ priority is to complete a deal for Manchester United winger Alejandro Garnacho.
An agreement is close between the clubs.
Chelsea are also open to adding another attacking midfielder.
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If Simons goes to Spurs, Chelsea will consider Barcelona’s Fermin Lopez, although are unlikely to meet the €70m asking price for this summer.
Who else are Tottenham eyeing up?
Aside from Simons, Tottenham are also keen on Ademola Lookman in a move driven by consultant Fabio Paratici, who will return to the club full time once the window ends.
Lookman is pushing to leave Atalanta, after issuing a strong statement earlier this summer where he accused the club of blocking his exit.
Inter Milan made a bid in the region of £38m for the ex-Fulham and Leicester man, but are not expected to make an improved offer.
The forward is held in high regard by Tottenham having scored 20 goals in all competitions for the Serie A outfit last season.
Beyond this, Spurs would ideally still like to sign Savinho, but are aware of Manchester City’s refusal to alter their not-for-sale stance.
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As a result, they are not expected to return with a new proposal for the Brazilian, with a potential transfer, even one in excess of €70m (£60.7m), being blocked by senior board members at City.
This is because there is an internal feeling among the Citizens that selling Savinho would be a mistake at any price.
The club are keen to avoid a repeat scenario like Cole Palmer‘s 2023 exit for Chelsea, which has seen the England international become of the Premier League’s standout performers since leaving.
Tottenham have also discussed raiding West Ham again for Lucas Paqueta, having already signed Mohammed Kudus for £55m.
West Ham would prefer to keep Paqueta, making a transfer difficult in the final days of the window, with the Hammers focused instead on bringing players into the club.
Among the other names being considered by Spurs are Lyon’s Malick Fofana, Monaco’s Maghes Aklouche and Leicester’s Bilal El Khannous.
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However, they are yet to make a formal approach for any of these three targets.
El Khannous was subject of a bid from Crystal Palace with a view to replacing Arsenal-bound Eberechi Eze, but Leicester City’s £35m asking price was deemed too high.
Meanwhile, Everton made an offer earlier in the window for Fofana, but talkSPORT understands the 20-year-old Belgian is holding out for a club with Champions League football.
While Tottenham also appreciate Morgan Rogers, it is thought that Aston Villa are unlikely to consider a sale this summer.
