Manchester City are monitoring Xavi Simons as Rayan Cherki’s plan B | OneFootball

Manchester City are keeping an eye on RB Leipzig attacking midfielder Xavi Simons (22) in case their pursuit of Lyon’s Rayan Cherki (21) were to fail, according to a report from L’Equipe. The Dutch international’s loan move to the Red Bull-owned Bundesliga side has been made permanent when PSG sanctioned a €50m transfer fee last winter, without taking into account performance-related add-ons. Leipzig have failed to qualify for European football next season, and Simons is expected to leave Leipzig this summer.

L’Equipe understands that Manchester City are among Simons’ suitors. However, the Citizens are already in the process of trying to land Lyon attacking midfielder Rayan Cherki. The France international has reportedly not given his agreement yet over a move to the Etihad Stadium, although it appears City have ramped up their pursuit recently. Cherki and City are said to be close to reaching a contractual agreement, which doesn’t mean Cherki has decided to join Manchester City without listening to other clubs’ proposals. Manchester City are expected to submit a bid to the Ligue 1 side very shortly.

GFFN | Bastien Cheval