Euro Paper Talk: Man Utd attempt incredible hijack of PSG done deal for star Ten Hag ‘appreciates’: Tottenham ‘surprised’ by massive Harry Kane update

A respected Manchester United source has revealed the club tried to ruin one of Paris Saint-Germain’s already-agreed transfers, Tottenham have been left ‘surprised’ by Bayern’s comments regarding Harry Kane, while Monday’s Euro Paper Talk includes a Manchester City star telling Pep Guardiola he will leave ‘tomorrow’.

SHOCK MAN UTD MOVE EXPLAINED

Transfer reporter Fabrizio Romano has revealed Man Utd tried to sign Netherlands sensation Xavi Simons from PSV, only for the attacking midfielder to end up agreeing a PSG return.

Simons came through the Barcelona academy but joined PSG U19s on a free transfer in summer 2019. He eventually made it into the PSG senior squad but only made 11 appearances for the French giants before heading to PSV on a permanent deal last summer.

Simons turned down the offer of a new contract with PSG and resultantly joined the Eredivisie side on a five-year deal. Although, a buy-back option for PSG was included in the transfer.

Simons has shone while operating in his home country, having registered 22 goals and 12 assists in 48 outings. What makes that record even more exciting is the fact he is still only 20 years old, which means he will only get better.

On March 13, it was suggested Man Utd could move for the five-cap Netherlands international and make him a long-term successor for Bruno Fernandes. Arsenal soon joined Man Utd in the hunt for the attacker after scouting him on several occasions.

On June 22, Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo claimed Man Utd would battle Arsenal and Tottenham for Simons after finding out PSV had set his price tag at €30m (£25.7m).

Unfortunately for all three Premier League clubs, PSG have won the race for him by agreeing to take him back to Ligue 1. Romano states that PSG have triggered the €6m (£5.1m) buy-back clause.

Red Devils spoke about Xavi Simons swoop, says insider

And German side RB Leipzig are the ‘favourites’ to sign Simons on loan ahead of the 2023-24 campaign.

But during an interview with CaughtOffside, Romano has explained how things could have been very different, with Man Utd previously making contact over Simons’ availability.

“Erik ten Hag knows that [Sofyan] Amrabat is on the market and it could be one to watch but it’s not a priority, and also there is an awareness that Fiorentina are difficult to negotiate with, so he won’t come cheap. He’s one of a number of names on United’s list in that [midfield] position,” Romano revealed.

“One other player who was looked at earlier this summer was Xavi Simons, who is now returning to PSG after they triggered their buy-back clause with PSV. It was just a contact between Man United and Xavi Simons side to understand what was happening between PSV, PSG and more.

“Man Utd appreciate Simons and wanted to be informed on his situation, but nothing is happening because they already have many players in his position and he will probably join RB Leipzig on loan as his next move.”

For now, it seems Man Utd will have to give up on their hunt for Simons. They already have a new attacking midfielder to utilise anyway, with Mason Mount recently joining the club in a £60m deal.

Although, Simons joining Man Utd at some point in the future cannot be ruled out. The main reason he left PSG the first time round was because he was not getting enough first-team opportunities. If he fails to play regularly over the next two seasons, then it would not be a surprise if the wonderkid pushed to leave PSG for a second time.

EYE-OPENING HARRY KANE COMMENTS GET TOTTENHAM RESPONSE

Tottenham have been left ‘surprised’ by the comments of Bayern honorary president Uli Hoeness, who recently claimed Harry Kane has signalled his desire to join the Bundesliga giants. (Bild)

Aston Villa will soon make a new offer for Bayer Leverkusen wide man Moussa Diaby after having their first bid rejected. However, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr will rival them for the signing. (RMC Sport)

Roma are ready to drop their interest in West Ham forward Gianluca Scamacca and have identified Alvaro Morata as an alternative target. (Gazzetta dello Sport)

Willian will return to Fulham this summer after rejecting interest from Nottingham Forest and agreeing a new deal with the Cottagers. (Fabrizio Romano)

Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci will train alone during pre-season as the Bianconeri aim to get him off their books. He has been linked with a surprise move to Newcastle. (Football Italia)

MAN CITY WILL SOON LOSE FIVE-TIME PREM WINNER

Right-back Kyle Walker will tell Man City boss Pep Guardiola ‘tomorrow’ that he wants to leave the club and join Bayern. (Sky Germany)

Atletico Madrid are ‘well placed’ to capture midfielder Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg from Tottenham. Atleti have also discussed signing Marco Verratti, Sofyan Amrabat or Martin Zubimendi, but Hojbjerg is their most achievable objective. (Marca)

Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea career is ‘100 per cent over’, with Mauricio Pochettino and the Blues board both in agreement over the decision. (Fabrizio Romano)

Spanish centre-half Diego Llorente has revealed he always wanted to return to Roma when departing Leeds this summer. (La Roma 24)

Arsene Wenger has backed his former club Arsenal to get the better of City next season and finally end their wait for another Premier League title. (Eurosport)

STAR ‘SAYS GOODYBE TO TEAM-MATES’ BEFORE MAN UTD SWITCH

Andre Onana has been saying goodbye to his fellow Inter players today as his transfer to Man Utd edges closer. (FC Inter News)

Forest have increased their offer for Botafogo centre-forward Matheus Nascimento, 19. The new proposal is worth €10m (£8.5m) and is very likely to be accepted. (Vene Casagrande)

Chelsea will make a new bid to try and sign Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo before Man Utd and Liverpool. (Fabrizio Romano)

Former Liverpool youth player Yasser Larouci is close to signing for Sheffield United from Troyes. (L’Equipe)

Arsenal will allow 21-year-old goalkeeper Arthur Okonkwo to leave on a permanent basis this summer. (Fabrizio Romano)