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

Chelsea are expected to make an improved second offer for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, while the Black Cats maintain he is not for sale.

According to Sunderland Echo, an initial bid of about £8million was rejected, and Chelsea are likely to return with a package worth around £10million to £12.5million plus add-ons.

Head coach Xabi Alonso is understood to be driving the pursuit and wants to work with the midfielder, while the hierarchy are reluctant to overpay for a 33-year-old. Xhaka is believed to be open to the move.

Sunderland only signed him from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a deal totalling roughly £17.5million and consider him central to Régis Le Bris’ plans. He was made captain on arrival and quickly became a key influence on and off the pitch.

Any agreement would require a significant rise in valuation, with Sunderland determined not to be pressured into a sale.

The backdrop is striking, as Sunderland secured a Europa League place at the end of last season while Chelsea missed out, having lost to the North East side twice.

Source: Sunderland Echo