Tottenham have begun talks to sign RB Leipzig midfielder Xavi Simons ahead of Chelsea, according to reports.

Chelsea have held extensive talks to sign Simons before Monday’s transfer deadline but have been unable to agree a fee with RB Leipzig, who are holding out for a deal worth €70 million (£60.4m).

The Bundesliga side have already rejected a swap offer from Chelsea for Simons which would have seen Christopher Nkunku return to his former club.

According to The Telegraph, Spurs have now joined the race for Simons and Thomas Frank’s side are ‘optimistic’ that the 22-year-old would be open to a move.

The report adds that there will also be ‘nervousness’ around Spurs after they saw their move for Eberechi Eze hijacked by Arsenal this month.

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