Man City target Dutchman as successor to De Bruyne

Manchester City came from behind on Saturday to defeat Brentford and maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season. 

The Bees took a shock lead after just 23 seconds at The Etihad, with forward Yoann Wissa putting the visitors in front.

Their lead didn’t last long, though, as Erling Haaland scored twice before the break to put City in front and take his goal tally to nine in four games this term.

Pep Guardiola’s side held on to record a fourth consecutive victory and they now sit top of the table with a two point lead.

Off the pitch, it appears that City have big plans for the future with one of the world’s most talented young players on their list of transfer targets.

As per Football Insider, the Citizens are hoping to sign RB Leipzig star Xavi Simons, who they view as a potential successor to Kevin De Bruyne.

Simons is a target for Man City

It is claimed that City have serious interest in the 21-year-old, who has also attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Liverpool and German giants Bayern Munich.

Simons is currently in the second year of a two-year loan move from French champions Paris Saint-Germain, and he was hugely impressive last term.

The Netherlands international scored eight goals and registered 15 assists in 43 games across all competitions.

The report claims that City view Simons as the ideal long-term successor to De Bruyne, who is now in the final year of his current contract.

De Bruyne has scored more than 100 goals and provided over 170 assists for the Citizens during his decade-long spell with the club, but those in charge are already planning for life without the Belgian as he nears the expiry of his deal.

Unlike De Bruyne, Simons primarily operates as a winger on either flank.