Ruben Amorim 'plots' Man United transfer plan to hijack Pep Guardiola Man City deal

Manchester United are set to rival Manchester City for Dutch midfielder Xavi Simons, according to recent reports.

The two clubs face each other on Sunday in the Manchester derby at the Etihad, with Pep Guardiola's side hoping to end a torrid run of form that has seen them pick up just one win in their last 10 games across all competitions. United, on the other hand, will be desperate to make it three wins on the bounce.

They could also rival each other in the transfer market with a report from CaughtOffside claiming United could enter the race to sign Simons, who is currently on loan at RB Leipzig from Paris Saint-Germain. It has been suggested the 21-year-old isn't expected to stay at either his parent club or loan club beyond this season.

READ MORE: Manchester United have a new candidate to be next academy debutant after Ruben Amorim decision

READ MORE: 'Did a good job' - Ruben Amorim hints at Manchester United template for Man City clash

Simons made the move to Spain at a young age and was part of Barcelona's academy set-up between 2010 and 2019 before he moved to PSG. He has made just 11 senior appearances for the Ligue 1 club so far, but has spent the last few seasons on loan at PSV Eindhoven and now Leipzig.

This term, he has scored three goals and registered two assists across all competitions, but has been sidelined since October with an ankle injury. Still, that seemingly hasn't stopped clubs in the Premier League eyeing a move, with the report also suggesting City boss Guardiola is a long-term admirer of the youngster.

However, United and City won't be the only clubs interested in Simons with Barcelona reportedly keen on bringing him back to the club. Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Inter Milan are also said to be lurking.

Simons last signed a contract extension with PSG in the summer, meaning his current deal is set to expire in 2027. He made his senior debut for the Netherlands in December 2022 and played a crucial role in the national team's run to the semi-finals of Euro 2024 back in the summer.