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.

Kicker reports that RB Leipzig are not backing down from their asking price for Chelsea target Xavi Simons. Leipzig have set the asking price for the 22-year-old at €70m and are not backing down

RB Leipzig have warned Chelsea that they will not back down on their €70m (£60.4m) asking price for Xavi Simons, according to reports. Chelsea are hoping to wrap up a transfer deal for the Netherlands international before the summer window closes on September 1.