Granit Xhaka, Sunderland and Chelsea - what's next, fee question assessed and what it means for the Black Cats | OneFootball

Sunderland have rejected an opening £8 million bid from Chelsea for Granit Xhaka, and the situation looks likely to run on.

According to Sunderland Echo, Chelsea are pushing for the 33-year-old and he is keen on the switch. Sunderland do not want to sell, but any move could hinge on Chelsea meeting the valuation and the club sourcing a trusted replacement.

Xhaka is contracted until 2028, so there are two years left, which gives Sunderland leverage and no need to accept terms that do not suit them. If the player wants the move, Chelsea apply enough pressure and the fee reaches the right level, this could still progress.

Figures of £20m to £25m are viewed as the point where talks become serious, with £15m the absolute baseline. The £8 million opener was considered a derisory offer.

Losing their captain and talisman early in the window would be a blow and could affect morale on and off the pitch. Sunderland have improved after big sales before, but this feels among the hardest to absorb, so the onus is on Chelsea to present a credible bid.

Source: Sunderland Echo