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

Chelsea are expected to return with an improved offer for Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, with Xabi Alonso driving the move, according to Sunderland Echo.

The London club had an opening bid of around £8 million rejected, and Sunderland have told suitors Xhaka is not for sale. A fresh proposal is expected in the region of £10 million to £12.5 million plus add-ons, and may already have been tabled.

Xhaka is believed to be open to the switch, and Alonso is keen to work with the 33-year-old midfielder. While the head coach is pushing, Chelsea’s hierarchy are reluctant to overpay.

Sunderland only signed Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen last summer in a package worth about £17.5 million and view him as central to Régis Le Bris’ plans. He was made captain on arrival and quickly became one of their most influential figures on and off the pitch.

That context underpins Sunderland’s stance, and any agreement would likely require a significant uplift on current numbers.

The subplot is sharpened by last season’s finish, when Sunderland secured a Europa League place at Chelsea’s expense after beating them twice, while the London club missed out.

Source: Sunderland Echo