Chelsea given welcome Xavi Simons transfer green light as surprising Cole Palmer claim made

Chelsea have been told that Xavi Simons could thrive if he were to make the move to the Premier League.

The Blues are locked in talks with RB Leipzig over a deal to sign Simons, football.london has reported. The 22-year-old has had representatives talking to the Blues in recent days over a move and there is now a broad verbal agreement in place over personal terms.

Bayern Munich have also expressed an interest in Simons, but the Barcelona academy graduate is keen on moving to SW6.

READ MORE: Chelsea should complete £122m transfer with wildcard deal that could unleash Cole Palmer

READ MORE: Aston Villa Ollie Watkins transfer stance could pave way for Chelsea and Man Utd swap deal

Capable of playing across the frontline and in the attacking midfield position, Simons scored 11 goals and assisted his teammates eight times for Leipzig last season. Former Manchester United first-team coach Rene Meulensteen believes the Dutchman has what it takes to play in England's top flight.

Speaking to Grosvenor Casino, Meulensteen said: "Xavi Simons isn’t the biggest player but he is light on his feet and he has skill. He is quick over a short distance and I’m not surprised that those clubs are looking at him.

"It would be a big challenge for him to come into the Premier League. But I'm sure that he would do well."

Meulensteen is also a big admirer of Cole Palmer and believes his old side would benefit from the England international's services, should he ever leave Stamford Bridge. "It’s almost a public secret that Cole Palmer is a Manchester United fan, what surprised me is how he slipped through the fingers of United with him being at Manchester City and then getting his chance at Chelsea," the former coach said.

"He is a player that can make a difference, could he play for United in the future? Yeah, I can't see why not. Obviously he's got a long-term contract with Chelsea, but sometimes things don't work out and players and clubs fall out, then United would be interested and it could be a really good destination for him. He is a United fan after all and he is a player that would bring United back to a higher level."