Deal for Chelsea’s Xavier Simons agreed following Hull, Burnley, Bristol City and Millwall transfer interest | OneFootball

Hull City are set to win the race to sign Chelsea midfielder Xavier Simons.

That is according to the Evening Standard, who report that the Tigers have now agreed a deal with the Premier League side for the 19-year-old’s signature.

Their report claims that Hull boss Liam Rosenior has desperately pushed to sign the youngster, currently on loan at the MKM Stadium, permanently this month.

That comes despite the 19-year-old having made just three appearances for the Tigers since making the loan switch from Stamford Bridge back in the summer.

Rosenior reportedly feels the midfielder was undervalued prior to his arrival at the club though and is said to be prepared to give him a prominent role moving forwards.

The Tigers have fended off some very strong competition for the Chelsea youngster, it has to be said.

Quiz: Are these 20 Hull City facts real or fake?

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Hull play in the Championship?

True False

Indeed, as per reports earlier today, Championship league leaders Burnley are just one of the sides Hull have had to overcome to get a deal done.

Bristol City, Millwall and Charlton Athletic were also reportedly keen on a move for the 19-year-old.

The Verdict

Ahead of the January transfer window, I’d be lying if I said this was a deal that I saw coming.

If anything, you perhaps would have predicted that Simons could be re-called from his loan at Hull due to his lack of game time.

It appears Liam Rosenior’s appointment has changed everything, though.

The new Tigers boss clearly rates the player a lot more than his predecessor,  pushing hard for a permanent deal this month.

With Simons set to play a more important role in the second half of the season, it will certainly be fascinating to finally get a real gauge on his ability.