Sunderland chiefs are now in talks to sign an experienced “leader” for around £8.5 million as the Black Cats join the race to secure his signature, according to a recent report.
Sunderland eyeing new midfielders with spending spree set to continue
Sunderland are set to make their long-awaited return to the Premier League, and Regis Le Bris and co. have been busy in their preparations as they look to make a good go at remaining in the division. The play-off winners have already added six new players to their ranks, which has seen them surpass the £100 million barrier, and it looks as though the spending is set to continue.
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He's reportedly been granted a summer exit by his current club.
Strengthening their midfield options appears to be a top priority for the Black Cats, as last week it was reported that Sunderland had made an approach to Marseille over the signing of Valentin Rongier. The midfielder is in the final 12 months of his contract with the French side.
The Premier League newcomers are keeping their options open, and at the start of this week, L’Equipe also reported that Sunderland have approached Leicester City over signing Bilal El Khannouss.
Leicester City's Bilal El Khannouss in action
The 21-year-old also has interest from AS Monaco and West Ham United, as the Foxes are open to a sale as long as they receive a fee of £22 million. But the list of options to strengthen their midfield doesn’t stop there...
Sunderland in talks to sign £8.6m ex-Arsenal star Xhaka
According to Sky journalist Sacha Tavolieri, Sunderland have joined the race to sign Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen, with Kristjaan Speakman and Florent Ghisolfi in talks with the former Bundesliga champions over a deal worth €10 million, which is roughly £8.5 million.
The Black Cats are not the only team chasing the Switzerland international, as Saudi Arabia side NEOM SC are also keen on striking an agreement. However, this isn’t putting Sunderland off, as they have already offered Xhaka a three-year contract.
Xhaka, who has been labelled a “leader” by football writer Craig King in the past, is under contract with Leverkusen until 2028, but he is expected to leave the club this summer after two seasons, one of which saw his Leverkusen team win the treble in an undefeated domestic season.
Last season, Xhaka scored two goals and registered seven assists in 33 Bundesliga games, as they finished runners-up to Bayern Munich.
Before moving to Germany, Xhaka spent seven seasons at Arsenal, during which he won the FA Cup and Community Shield twice. A potential move to the Stadium of Light would see him return to the Premier League, where Sunderland would hope his experience and leadership skills would help them in their bid to beat the drop.