‘Gentleman’s agreement’ to help Man Utd sign £67m ace after Ten Hag failure

Manchester United could finally sign a former target of Erik ten Hag’s, with Xavi Simons expected to leave RB Leipzig in a big summer deal.

Ten Hag signed a number of Dutch stars and ex-Ajax players during his time in charge at Old Trafford, and he was particularly keen for Man Utd to bring in Netherlands international Simons. As per various reports, United made contact for the attacking midfielder last summer following a demand from Ten Hag.

However, United could not complete the deal as Simons was eager to join Leipzig in Germany at the time.

This season, the No 10 – who can also play as a left winger – has notched five goals and four assists in 18 appearances.

On January 30, it emerged that Leipzig had activated their option to make Simons’ loan move from Paris Saint-Germain permanent for €50million (£41.7m / $51.7m).

But there is still a chance the exciting 21-year-old will move to England later this year. German journalist Christian Falk has talked up the possibility of a ‘gentleman’s agreement’ helping Simons to leave Leipzig this summer, with United, Liverpool and Manchester City all in the frame.

“It’s looking likely that Leipzig will sell Xavi Simons in the summer transfer window,” Falk told CaughtOffside.

“It was a little bit surprising that Leipzig committed to a permanent deal with Simons. At the beginning, they didn’t think they’d get this chance, but they did it for €50m, which isn’t a lot for this kind of player. His contract, of course, isn’t that long, running just until 2027.

“So, you see, his stock is rising! Leipzig are thinking they have signed a player for €50m who has the potential to be an €80m (£66.7m / $82.7m) player, so they could earn a lot of money on a potential sale. I’m sure there’s a gentleman’s agreement or a release clause, which would see Simons sold in the summer.

“Liverpool are interested, as are Manchester City and Manchester United. Xavi Simons won’t stay at Leipzig for his whole career – but everyone already knows that! Leipzig had the chance because PSG were happy to sell as they can’t loan so many players in Europe (they’re only allowed six).

“It’s great news for Leipzig, as they’ve brought in another high-quality player, and if he has to leave, they can now earn a lot of money. Good deal!”

DON’T MISS: Shock report reveals Mathys Tel already considering Tottenham future as Man Utd revelation emerges

Man Utd, Man City and Liverpool all want Xavi Simons

Simons would likely thrive if he linked up with Ruben Amorim at United. He is very versatile and would take up one of the two No 10 positions behind the main centre-forward.

Plus, the Amsterdam-born ace is an exceptional dribbler and can cause opposition defenders all sorts of problems, while he is also clinical in front of goal.

The only trouble for United will be convincing Simons that they are the right club for the next stage of his career.

Simons views himself as a Champions League player. While United are languishing in 13th in the Premier League, Liverpool and City could both qualify for the Champions League, while they also remain in this season’s version of the competition.

Man Utd transfers: Ratcliffe on Kane; Cunha boost

Meanwhile, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reached a decision on United landing long-term target Harry Kane, as per reports.

It is claimed that Ratcliffe would love to make the England captain United’s new No 9 after the Red Devils previously missed out on him to Bayern Munich.

Kane’s release clause at Bayern is expected to drop to £54m in January 2026.

Wolverhampton Wanderers star Matheus Cunha is another forward United have identified as a target.

The Mail claim Cunha has a £62m exit clause which will become active at the end of the season.

It comes after the Brazilian penned a new four-and-a-half-year contract with Wolves last week.

QUIZ – think you know Ruben Amorim?