Man City's £68m target to replace Kevin De Bruyne suggests he could leave his club with Man United also keen

All eyes will be on Manchester City in the summer transfer window as fans and pundits alike will be intrigued to discover which player they handpick to succeed Kevin De Bruyne.

Manchester City eye Florian Wirtz and Morgan Gibbs-White as potential heirs to the Belgian captain’s throne ahead of next season.

But really and truly, a player of the ilk of Kevin De Bruyne is irreplaceable.

However, Pep Guardiola and Co have no choice but to make a brand-new signing as legends like the six-time Premier League winner cannot be replaced by a single player, with Phil Foden the likeliest candidate out of their existing options.

Manchester City have shortlisted Xavi Simons as well as a potential replacement for De Bruyne, who is also a Manchester United target.

Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images

Man City and Man United target Xavi Simons suggests he’s ready for RB Leipzig exit

The good news for both Manchester City and Manchester United is that Simons sounds like he is preparing to leave RB Leipzig in the summer.

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Xavi Simons has now hinted that the German side are aware that he dreams of advancing his career elsewhere, which could prompt Manchester City and Manchester United to keep their cheque books ready.

The Dutch international said via journalist Florian Plettenberg: “I’m still a young player, I have many dreams – and the club knows that.”

“But right now, the most important thing for me is to play well in the upcoming games. Then we have the international matches, and after that we’ll sit down and see what happens.”

The journalist added that Manchester City and Manchester United target Simons could leave in the summer but RB Leipzig will demand a fee of €80 million (£68.5 million) for his services.

The club that is leading the race to sign Xavi Simons

Based on how both clubs have fared this season, moving to the Etihad Stadium over Old Trafford should be a no-brainer for the 21-year-old if given the choice.

But the concern for Manchester City and Manchester United is that Liverpool are considered the frontrunners to sign Simons.

The Reds are one win away from becoming Premier League champions and have now leapfrogged City as the dream destination for any player looking to play his football in England.

But what is out of Manchester City’s control is that Simons’ preference towards joining Liverpool is due to their Dutch contingent of Arne Slot, Virgil van Dijk, Cody Gakpo and Ryan Gravenberch.

Pep Guardiola might be tasked to work his charm if push comes to come as the Catalan tactician’s standing in the game would be enough for most players to decide to don the sky blue kit.

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