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RB Leipzig sporting director Marcel Schafer has addressed the mass speculation over the future of Xavi Simons, who Chelsea are interested in, and Benjamin Sesko, who is a target for both Manchester United and Newcastle United.

The Blues have been in direct club-to-club talks with Leipzig for around a week-and-a-half now over a deal for Simons. The 22-year-old has a broad agreement on personal terms with the west Londoners and has made it clear to his current employers he wishes to leave.

However, supporters have started to become frustrated with the lack of progress in negotiations for Simons. football.london understands, though, there remains a confidence from the Dutchman's camp that a deal will be completed eventually.

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Schafer, speaking ahead of Leipzig's pre-season friendly against Atalanta where Simons, as well as Sesko, was left out of the squad. "Due to the very concrete interest from several clubs, we have decided that he will not play today," Schafer said to Sky Germany.

"When I say that strong interest has been registered and approaches have been made, it's obvious what has happened. I would like to make it clear that this does not mean that he is on his way to another club. And it also does not mean that Benji will not be playing next week."

Schafer reiterated Simons' absence was due to neck pain, stating the reason was "purely medical" and there is "no new development". There have been reports claiming Simons is missing solely down to his desire to move to Chelsea as negotiations continue between the two clubs over a fee for the Netherlands international.

The Chelsea players return to training on Monday as pre-season begins at Cobham. Due to the squad's involvement in the FIFA Club World Cup, that concluded less than a month ago over in the United States, pre-season starts later than usual for the Blues, who play back-to-back friendlies against Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan later in the week.

Jorrel Hato is set to join up with his new teammates at some point after Chelsea reached a £37million agreement with Ajax for the 19-year-old's signature a few days ago. Hato is set to sign a seven-year contract at Stamford Bridge as we await the official announcement.