Chelsea prepare improved second Granit Xhaka bid as Sunderland hold firm | OneFootball

Sunderland Echo understands Chelsea are set to return with an improved bid for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka after an opening offer of around £eight million was rejected.

A renewed proposal in the region of £10 million to £12.5 million, plus add-ons, is anticipated, and may already have been lodged.

Xhaka is believed to be open to the switch, with Xabi Alonso keen to work with the experienced midfielder. Chelsea’s head coach is driving the pursuit, although the hierarchy are reluctant to overpay for a 33-year-old.

Sunderland’s stance remains unchanged. Xhaka only arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a package worth about £17.5 million and is viewed as integral to Régis Le Bris’ side.

He was handed the captaincy soon after joining and has been influential on and off the pitch as the club prepare for another Premier League campaign.

The Black Cats are determined not to be pushed into a sale, particularly at a fee that would represent a clear loss on last summer’s outlay. Any agreement would require a major shift in the numbers.

Sunderland qualified for Europe at Chelsea’s expense last season, securing a Europa League place and beating the London club twice, adding intrigue to the pursuit of their captain.

Source: Sunderland Echo