Chelsea set to sign Simons as Leipzig AGREE deal for Liverpool star

RB Leipzig have agreed terms with Liverpool attacker Harvey Elliott as they look for a replacement for Chelsea-bound Xavi Simons.

The Red Bulls expect to have Simons available for their Bundesliga opener with reigning champions Bayern Munich on Friday. However, it is believed that this will be the Dutchman’s final game for Leipzig.

Chelsea have been locked in talks with the Bundesliga club for weeks. Although they have so far been unable to finalise Simons’ signing due to a lack of outgoings, there is a firm expectation that he will be plying his trade at Stamford Bridge this season.

Chelsea are currently discussing a deal with Leipzig for Christopher Nkunku as his departure would free up the necessary funds to sign Simons. A potential move to Bayern has become unlikely as the Munich outfit will only sanction a loan, which suits neither Chelsea nor Nkunku.

Nkunku could be deemed a replacement for Simons at Leipzig as the 27-year-old is capable of playing as an attacking midfielder and a winger, but the German club’s top target to succeed their Dutch magician is Liverpool star Harvey Elliott.

Liverpool agree Elliott terms

According to Sky Germany, Leipzig have now managed to secure buy-in from the 22-year-old and agreed personal terms in a clear indication that Simons is indeed on his way to Chelsea.

Agreeing a fee with Liverpool could yet prove a small challenge as the Reds have made sure to retain an element of control over the young players they have sold this summer, and they intend to do the same with Elliott.

Unless Leipzig are ready to spend north of €50 million, it is likely that they will have to concede a buy-back clause. The positive news is that Liverpool are understanding of the youngster’s desire for regular football and will not force him to stay.

Once Chelsea have managed to offload some unwanted players – like Nkunku, Renato Veiga and Nicolas Jackson – Simons will head to Stamford Bridge and Elliott, potentially, to the Red Bull Arena.

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