After missing training in pre-season because of the speculation, Simons returned to the Leipzig team at the weekend to score a goal and create another in a 4–2 victory over Sandhausen in the DFB-Pokal, after which Schäfer fired a message to the teams chasing Simons’s signature.

According to BILD, Nkunku’s move to the Allianz Arena is ‘threatening to collapse’ after a fresh round of talks took place between his agent, Pini Zahavi, and the higher powers at Chelsea. The two parties met ahead of the Blues’ 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Bayern are back in pursuit of Nkunku after accepting defeat in their bid to sign Stuttgart striker Nick Woltemade, and the 27-year-old is thought to be keen on the move after two years at Chelsea which have yielded just 11 Premier League starts.

Bayern Munich look set to miss out on signing Xavi Simons after the RB Leipzig star reiterated his desire to join Chelsea.

Bayern Munich have the Chelsea star high up on their shortlist as an alternative to Kingsley Coman, who is moving to Al Nassr.

The Blues are in talks with two German clubs as they look to slim down their squad before the transfer deadline.

Chelsea want Xavi Simons – a player apparently also on Bayern’s radar – and the possible sale of Nkunku could help fund a move for the Netherlands international. The reporter suggests Chelsea are expecting a fee of around €40 million (£34.5m) plus add ons for Nkunku.

It looks like third time may in fact be the charm for Bayern Munich and Christopher Nkunku, as the Bavarian giants have reportedly started initial talks with the Blues over a potential deal for the 27-year-old striker.

Chelsea appear close to signing 22-year-old Xavi Simons, who left PSG earlier this year, though Manchester City are reportedly also interested in the Dutch midfielder. Regardless of his destination,