Sunderland boss: Chelsea's pursuit of captain Xhaka is 'closed'

Published Jul 26, 04:06 PM UTC

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Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has definitively stated that Chelsea's pursuit of captain Granit Xhaka is 'closed', following an £8m bid from the London club. Xhaka, 33, was instrumental in Sunderland's Europa League qualification last season. New Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso, who previously coached Xhaka at Bayer Leverkusen, was keen to sign the midfielder. However, Sunderland immediately rejected the bid, and Le Bris confirmed after a pre-season friendly that Xhaka wants to stay and continue leading the club. Le Bris also indicated Sunderland's transfer activity will be quiet this summer, contrasting with last year's major rebuild when 14 new players were signed. The club has only added Thomas Meunier on a free transfer so far.

Source

Football | The GuardianWestern

Original headline: Régis Le Bris says Chelsea’s pursuit of Sunderland captain Xhaka is ‘closed’

Original language: EN-GB

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Sunderland manager confirms Chelsea's pursuit of Granit Xhaka is closed

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People and interests

Xabi Alonso Sunderland Chelsea Bayer Leverkusen