Chelsea expected to submit improved second Granit Xhaka bid as Sunderland stand firm | OneFootball

Chelsea are expected to return with an improved offer for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka as Xabi Alonso pushes for a deal, Sunderland Echo understands.

An initial bid of about £eight million was rejected, with Sunderland making clear he is not for sale. A fresh proposal is likely to be around £10 million to £12.5 million plus add-ons.

Xhaka is believed to be keen on the move, with Alonso eager to work with the experienced midfielder. The head coach is driving the pursuit, though the hierarchy are reluctant to pay over the odds for a 33-year-old.

Sunderland’s stance has not shifted. Xhaka arrived from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a package worth roughly £17.5 million and is viewed as central to Régis Le Bris’ plans.

He was handed the captaincy on arrival and quickly became a leading presence on and off the pitch as the club prepare for another Premier League campaign.

Chelsea are expected to test Sunderland’s resolve again, but any deal would require a major change in the numbers. For now, the message remains that Xhaka is not for sale. Sunderland’s Europa League qualification at Chelsea’s expense, after the North East club beat them twice last season, adds extra intrigue.

Source: Sunderland Echo