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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Rob Smyth

Football transfer rumours: Manchester City to sign Xavi Simons?

Leipzig's Xavi Simons in action against Rot-Weiss Essen in August 2024
Xavi Simons: heading to Manchester? Photograph: Leon Kuegeler/Reuters

It’s been an unusually busy summer at Manchester City: lotta ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous. And Hugo Viana, City’s new director of football, isn’t done yet. According to selected rags, City may hijack Chelsea’s move for the RB Leipzig and Netherlands forward Xavi Simons.

City are also attempting to reunite last year’s France Olympic squad by stealth. First they signed Rayan Cherki; now they’re being linked with the Monaco midfielder Maghnes Akliouche.

From the erstwhile champions to the reigning champions. Crystal Palace are keen to take Harvey Elliott’s scheming feet off Liverpool’s hands, which may also facilitate a move in the opposite direction for Marc Guéhi. Other reports suggest Guéhi will see out his contract at Palace and do one for free next summer.

Brighton want nine figures for Carlos Baleba – £100m, doofus – which is a bit too rich even for Manchester United’s taste.

Everton want Southampton’s Tyler Dibling to join Jack Grealish in a revamped, floppy-haired attack. Fulham may break their transfer record to sign the Brazilian winger Kevin from Shakhtar Donetsk. And if that doesn’t sound Brazilian enough for you, his full name is Kevin Santos Lopes de Macedo do Nascimento Luís Nazário de Lima Fred.

Roma and Besiktas are desirous of Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey, as are Nottingham Forest of Manchester City’s Rico Lewis. Like we said: lotts ins, lotta outs, lotta what-have-yous.

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