Trouble for Chelsea?! Xavi Simons pursuit in jeopardy as Bayern Munich launch bid to hijack transfer for RB Leipzig wantaway

Per PA, Bayern are interested in signing Simons this summer, amid Chelsea's interest in landing the Netherlands international. The Blues have been in direct talks with Leipzig over a deal to sign Simons, which could cost them up to €70 million (£60m/$82m).

Enzo Maresca's side are said to be interested in including Carney Chukwuemeka in part-exchange. It is unclear if Bayern would also want to include players in a deal to sign Simons, or if they would be able to meet Leipzig's asking price in cash. The Bundesliga champions have thus far only added Jonathan Tah and Tom Bischof to their squad this summer.

Chelsea, by comparison, have spent big already in this window, adding Jamie Gittens, Joao Pedro, Liam Delap, Estevao, Dario Essugo, Mamadou Sarr, and Kendry Paez, with a reported outlay of £210m ($285m). Simons is said to be keen on the move, but it remains to be seen if Bayern's intervention - were they to formalise their interest - will turn his head. He has previously been linked with the Bavarian powerhouse, although it has been reported that he wants to move to the Premier League.

Chelsea play Bayer Leverkusen on August 8 in their first pre-season friendly, while Bayern play Lyon on August 2. Simons will next be in action when Leipzig play Toulouse this Saturday.