Manchester United look to beat rivals Manchester City in race to sign 21-year-old Bundesliga ace: Reports

Manchester United are planning to beat bitter rivals Manchester City in the race to sign Xavi Simons, according to Caught Offside. The Dutch midfielder is currently plying his trade with RB Leipzig, on loan from Paris Saint Germain (PSG).

Simons was very impressive on loan with Leipzig last season, registering 10 goals and 15 assists from 43 games across competitions. He was a wanted man this summer but opted for a second loan spell with the Bundesliga side.

While the 21-year-old hasn't hit the heights of last season, he has still been impressive so far. Simons has registered three goals and two assists from 11 games across competitions.

His efforts have already impressed Pep Guardiola, who wants Manchester City to take the Dutchman to the Etihad. However, Manchester United are reportedly already working to ruin these plans.

Simons is not expected to extend his loan stay at the Red Bull Arena beyond this season. He is not part of Luis Enrique's plans either and PSG are likely to let him go next summer.

The Red Devils are working to get back to their heydays under Ruben Amorim. The Portuguese head coach is expected to make multiple changes to his roster in 2025 and reportedly has Simons on his agenda.

The player is apparently enticed by the project at Manchester United. However, there's huge interest in his services, with Arsenal, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Juventus, Inter Milan, and Liverpool also in the race.

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When are Manchester United back in action?

Xavi Simons

Manchester United return to action in the Premier League on Sunday, December 15, when they face Manchester City at the Etihad. The season's first Manchester Derby sees both teams arrive at the game while going through a crisis.

Pep Guardiola's team are fourth in the Premier League table after 15 games and have just one win in their last nine games. They come into this weekend's tie on the back of a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Juventus in midweek in the UEFA Champions League.

The Red Devils are also passing through troubled waters. Manchester United parted ways with Erik ten Hag in October and appointed Ruben Amorim as his replacement last month.

The Portuguese head coach has registered three wins and two defeats in his six games in charge. The Red Devils picked up a hard-fought 2-1 comeback win over Victoria Plzen earlier this week in the Europa League, with Rasmus Hojlund scoring a brace.