PSV are keen to keep star player Xavi Simons as they look to avoid another high-profile departure in the summer transfer and look set to offer an improved contract as a reward for his performances, Voetbal International reports.Â
However, it is understood the people behind the contract negotiations would like to remove the release clause specifically tailored to Ligue 1 side PSG.Â
Simons, 20, joined PSV last summer on a five-year contract but as part of the negotiations with the Parisian side they will be able to bring the former Barcelona youth player back to the French capital for €12 million.Â
Despite the clause due to expire next summer, the club are keen to remove the clause as they look to keep Simons in the club’s long-term plans. Â
The fact that Simons suddenly changed agents – he left Rafaela Pimenta for Darren Dein, the son of David Dein, former co-owner and vice-chairman of Arsenal – will not speed up the negotiations that were already underway between the people of Eindhoven and the Simons camp.
PSV are satisfied with the talks so far but they are keen to wrap up discussions as quickly as possible – ideally, before the transfer window opens. Other top clubs, including Premier League title challengers Arsenal, also have Simons in their sights after his strong debut season.Â
If Simons does decide to leave, PSV will have Guus Til behind the strikers, but that is a completely different type of attacking midfielder.
Twenty-year-old Simons came from Paris last summer and has so far scored 16 goals and nine assists in the Eredivisie this season. Only FC Utrecht striker Anastasios Douvikas scored more in the Dutch league with 17.
