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Erik ten Hag has lavished praise on Manchester United target Xavi Simons for his performance against England in the semi-final of Euro 2024.
United are desperate for additional creative flair and are already on the cusp of announcing fellow Dutch attacker Joshua Zirkzee.
The Red Devils were also heavily linked with a move for Michael Olise before his move to Bayern Munich went through.
It was reported earlier in the day by an Italian source that United have just turned their attention to Simons and have already made a huge bid for him.
The 20-time English champions were keen to bring in the former Barcelona academy product last summer but were reportedly turned down by Simons.
Clearly United manager Ten Hag is still a fan as The Mirror report that he was delighted by the performance of the Dutchman during the semi-final against England.
He rocketed in the Netherlands’ opener early in the first half before a penalty by Harry Kane and a last-minute goal from Ollie Watkins secured the Three Lions’ spot in the final.
Commenting on Simons’ display, Ten Hag said, “I enjoyed Xavi Simons in that game (against England). The drive he has, the passion with which he conquers balls and recognises situations are top.
“His enormous drive as well. That is almost un-Dutch. I think you can see that he was trained abroad. He almost has a southern European doggedness in his game.”
Clearly Ten Hag is a fan of Simons’ game and The Mirror also state that there just may be a pathway for a deal between Paris Saint-Germain and United.
The English paper reports, “PSG are ready to allow him to go out on loan again – but only with an obligation to buy. That kind of structured deal would suit the Old Trafford club.”
The growing Dutch contingent at the club with the arrival of new assistant coaches Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake, alongside the arrival of Zirkzee and the probable signing of Matthijs de Ligt, could certainly tempt the young star.
What’s more, he has a shared past with Van Nistelrooy, which could be key in persuading the player to join as they worked together at PSV Eindhoven where the 21-year-old played on loan and the former United striker was his manager during the 2022-23 campaign.
The potential arrival of the player is very exciting and would add another incredibly talented young star to a growing list which already contains Kobbie Mainoo, Alejandro Garnacho and Rasmus Hojlund.
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