Chelsea sent strong transfer warning by Premier League boss after failed bid

Sunderland rejected an £8million bid from Chelsea earlier this summer for Granit Xhaka and Black Cats boss Regis Le Bris has now offered an update on the midfielder’s future

Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has confirmed Granit Xhaka will be going nowhere, weeks after turning down a move to Chelsea. The former Arsenal man was considering a sensational swithc Stamford Bridge earlier this summer.

Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso was also keen on a deal that would have seen him reunited with the former Bayer Leverkusen star. But an agreement could not be found between the two clubs and Le Bris has announced that there is no chance of a revival in talks.

Asked about Xhaka’s future after his side’s pre-season defeat to Liverpool, the Frenchman said: “No, this topic is closed.

“He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland. He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. A great leader.”

Le Bris’ comments come just weeks after Xhaka appeared to perform a U-turn about his future. Speaking during the World Cup, the Swiss midfielder said: “That’s not my job (to talk about a potential move to Chelsea). I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup.”

But just shortly after, he committed his future to the Black Cats. Xhaka said: “Sunderland has been my home since day one. We are all very happy. I’ve decided to stay where I am; the most important thing is family. I’m ready to make history with them.”

Xhaka, 33, only joined Sunderland last summer from Leverkusen, having helped the German side to the Bundesliga title. It also signalled his first return to the Premier League following a rollercoaster spell with Arsenal.

Xhaka made 36 appearances and scored one goal for Sunderland across what was an impressive debut campaign at the Stadium of Light. His performances helped the club secure a spot in the Europa League for the forthcoming season.

Sunderland’s summer window has been relatively low-key this term, having only signed Thomas Meunier on a free transfer. Asked if fans could expect any more business, Le Bris added: “It’s going to be quiet.

“Under the radar, right? Because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise, it’s a mess.

“And we are looking at probably a different transfer window if you compare with last season. We had to sign 14 new players. That won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.”

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