Chelsea move for Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after ending Granit Xhaka chase | OneFootball

Chelsea have turned to former Sunderland pair Jordan Henderson and Danny Welbeck after conceding defeat in their move for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, according to Sunderland Echo.

New head coach Xabi Alonso wants experience and leadership for a youthful squad, and had targeted Xhaka. Sunderland rejected an £8 million offer and, after further talks, Xhaka opted to stay and lead their first European campaign in over 50 years.

Head coach Régis Le Bris said after the 4-2 loss to Liverpool in Nashville that Chelsea’s chase was over. He stressed Xhaka’s commitment to the club and praised his captaincy. During Switzerland’s World Cup quarter-finals run, Xhaka said his family were happy on Wearside, that he had chosen to stay, and that he wanted to make history with Sunderland.

Chelsea now view Henderson, 36, as an alternative, with the midfielder set to leave Brentford on a free after a strong season. Other Premier League sides remain in the frame, but the Blues are seen as clear frontrunners.

Talks have also been opened with Brighton for Welbeck, who starred on loan at Sunderland in the 2010-11 season. He has been a regular during six years with Brighton, who are not expected to block a move if a suitable fee is agreed.

Welbeck’s arrival would push former Sunderland loanee Marc Guiu further down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge, leaving his future increasingly uncertain.

Source: Sunderland Echo