RB Leipzig chief hints Xavi Simons has told current employers he wants to join Chelsea but insists there is 'no transfer agreement' yet

Despite Simons reportedly being keen on Chelsea, and vice versa, the attacking midfielder played in Leipzig's 6-0 drubbing by Bayern Munich on Friday. For the time being, the Dutch international is set to stay at the Bundesliga outfit, but anything can happen - something Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer alluded to.

He told Sky Germany: "As of today (Friday), Xavi will stay with us. We’ve always said that we make all decisions based on sporting and financial considerations, and that’s why Xavi is our player and why he played today. The transfer market is still open. You never know what’ll happen. I can’t guarantee that 100%. Everyone knows about his ambitions. He’s also told us that. There have certainly been a few exchanges in recent weeks. As we saw today, Xavi was in the starting line-up. So, there has been no agreement yet. And that’s why it will remain that way for now."

Simons' Chelsea switch is reportedly contingent on the Blues being able to sell forward Christopher Nkunku this summer, but an exit for the Frenchman is proving difficult. The former Paris Saint-Germain man would be a quality addition for Enzo Maresca's team, although fitting him in may be a challenge, but there is no guarantee a transfer will happen.

Time is running out for Chelsea to sign Simons before the transfer window shuts on September 1. The 22-year-old will hope to be in place at the Blues before their next Premier League fixture at home to London neighbours Fulham next Saturday.