£60m Chelsea transfer gets huge boost as Liverpool star agrees personal terms

Chelsea are reportedly set to get the green light on their move for Xavi Simons after RB Leipzig agreed personal terms with Harvey Elliott. Liverpool prospect Elliott has been linked as the top candidate to succeed Simons, who now looks more likely to move as Leipzig closes in on his replacement.

The Blues have already spent around £260million on new signings this summer, with most of their new recruits based in midfield and attack. However, Chelsea remain keen on a deal for Netherlands forward Simons as Enzo Maresca looks to wrap up some late-summer business.

And Sky Germany have reported that the move could go through after Leipzig face Bayern Munich in their Bundesliga opener on Friday. That's after 22-year-old Elliott, who is reportedly open to leaving Anfield to secure more playing time, is understood to have given the thumbs up on a move to Saxony.

READ MORE: Liverpool pass £200m in sales this summer with Ben Doak exit - with two more to follow

READ MORE: Chelsea sent Xavi Simons transfer warning as RB Leipzig stand ground despite agreement

It's believed Leipzig are seeking in the region of £60m in order to part ways with Simons, who is also said to be a target for Manchester City. The Dutchman spent 18 months on loan with the German outfit before they spent a club-record fee, potentially rising to £67m if all bonuses are met.

Reports in Germany suggested Simons is keen to leave Leipzig following their failure to qualify for this season's Champions League. Chelsea would be able to satisfy the player's needs in that regard, hoping to advance under Maresca after winning the FIFA Club World Cup.

The west Londoners beat Simons' former employers Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final. And Les Parisiens are set to receive a windfall from any future transfer thanks to the sell-on clause included in his current contract.

Elliott's agreement to join the Red Bulls is a key piece in the domino effect that needed to fall to free up Simons. The winger moved to Anfield in 2019 but has struggled to crack the starting XI under both Jurgen Klopp and incumbent Arne Slot.

Liverpool are also believed to be keen on the idea of a sale in order to balance their books this summer. The Merseysiders have already spent close to £300m on new signings, but have also sold off around £200m worth of talent.

Offloading Elliott would have another sizeable impact in bringing the club's finances into line. Liverpool will reportedly let their man leave for around £45m.

Chelsea misfit Christopher Nkunku has also been linked with an exit this summer, with Leipzig said to be among those interested. And The Guardian reported his old team advanced their efforts after Bayern hit an impasse in their pursuit.

A like-for-like swap between Simons and Nkunku could have been the most straightforward option as Chelsea look to land one of their top targets. However, it appears the stage is set for Elliott to join Leipzig instead, which could align the stars ahead of Simons' switch to Stamford Bridge.

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