Fabrizio Romano has shared a major update on Granit Xhaka's future, with Chelsea still in hot pursuit of the Sunderland star.
That is despite the fact the Black Cats have insisted their star midfielder isn't for sale, recently knocking back the Blues' opening approach.
After making 34 Premier League appearances en-route to Sunderland qualifying for the Europa League, Xhaka has been a key player for Switzerland at the World Cup, with his side qualifying for the round of 32, where they will take on Algeria.
However, behind the scenes, rumours are continuing to swirl surrounding his future at the Stadium of Light, as Xabi Alonso is personally keen on a reunion with the former Bayer Leverkusen man.
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Chelsea set for more talks to sign Granit Xhaka
According to Fabrizio Romano, Chelsea are now poised to hold more talks regarding a deal for the Sunderland star, as they look to tempt their Premier League rivals into a sale.
Switzerland's Granit Xhaka
The initial offer of £8m will need to be increased, but the Swiss maestro, who has been lauded as "sensational" by Roker Report's Ewan Bowman, is "pushing to join" according to Romano, as he is keen on working with Alonso once again.
How Granit Xhaka compares to Enzo Fernandez
There have been reports Fernandez has already agreed a contract to join Real Madrid, which suggests his time at Stamford Bridge could be coming to an end soon.
Much like the Argentinian, Xhaka also regularly features in a deeper role, but he is far less of a goal threat, scoring just one Premier League goal last season, compared to ten from the Chelsea star.
That said, the 149-cap Switzerland international averaged a duels won % of 60.3% in the Premier League last season, compared to just 44.2% from Fernandez, which suggests he could be an upgrade from a defensive point of view.
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He'd be a coup for Xabi Alonso.