Xavi Simons: Man Utd & Liverpool learn surprise asking price | OneFootball

Manchester United and Liverpool have discovered they will have to pay more than expected to sign Dutch star Xavi Simons this summer, according to a report in Germany.

The 22-year-old finally secured a permanent move to RB Leipzig in the winter transfer window having previously been on loan with the German side, but that hasn't dissuaded Europe's elite from attempting to sign him this summer.

Man Utd, Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal have all been touted with interest in Simons and the player himself "dreams" of a return to Barcelona - where he spent much of his youth career - but any suitor will be required to part ways with a significant sum to secure his services.

Previous reports have stipulated that Leipzig would demand approximately £60m to part ways with the Netherlands international come the end of the season, but Sky Germany journalist Florian Plettenberg has revealed that €80m (£68.6m) is actually the player's asking price.

Could Simons get a call from Man Utd and Liverpool this summer? / Stuart Franklin/GettyImages

The report also states that Man Utd and Liverpool - as well as "several others" - have Simons "on their radar" and are "monitoring his situation", while Bayern Munich could pursue a move should top transfer target Florian Wirtz reject a switch to the Allianz Arena. No official offer has been submitted by any club as things stand.

Simons has impressed during two seasons with Leipzig having announced himself during a loan spell with PSV Eindhoven in 2022/23. He's managed 20 goals and 19 assists with the Bundesliga outfit in 72 appearances.

The Dutchman's versatility is one of his many strengths, capable of playing out wide or in an attacking midfield position, and it comes as no surprise that Europe's top dogs are sniffing around the talented forward.