London rivals to good friends? Chelsea have 'no desire to demolish bridges' with Tottenham as Blues allow Spurs to sign Xavi Simons without Willian-style hijack

Simons is closing in on a move to north London, having undergone a medical ahead of his €60 million (£52m/$70m) move from RB Leipzig. That comes despite the fact that the Netherlands international had agreed terms with the Blues over a possible move to Stamford Bridge. 

Matt Law of the Telegraph reports that the Blues have opted against rivalling Tottenham's bid for Simons - in the same fashion that Arsenal did with Eberechi Eze, or the Blues did with Willian back in 2013 - because they have "built bridges" with their London rivals and have no intention to "demolish" them.

Law reports that Chelsea did not actually table a formal bid for Simons, despite engaging in talks with intermediaries. He is now poised to become Spurs' much-needed No.10, given that James Maddison is out for the season with an ACL injury. 

Spurs face Bournemouth this weekend while Chelsea play Fulham in a London derby. Simons is expected to be presented as a new Tottenham player prior to kick-off against the Cherries.