Granit Xhaka has insisted his focus is on the World Cup, despite ongoing transfer interest from Chelsea.
The Sunderland star captained Switzerland to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria in the round of 32 on Friday morning, days after being the subject of an approach from the Blues.
Granit Xhaka for Switzerland against Algeria
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Xhaka has played every minute of Switzerland's World Cup campaign so farCredit: Getty
talkSPORT understands Xhaka has been targeted by an £8million opening bid from Chelsea.
But this offer was immediately rejected by the Black Cats, who are said to view the offer as 'unacceptable'.
It's also suggested the Black Cats won't entertain any further offers for him and they're not under any pressure to sell.
New Chelsea boss Xabi Alonso appears keen on a reunion with Xhaka, who played under him for two years at Bayer Leverkusen and starred in their unbeaten Bundesliga title success in 2024.
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Having returned to the Premier League last summer following Alonso's departure from Leverkusen, Xhaka went on to establish himself a key player at Sunderland.
He played a major part in leading the Wearside outfit to European football in their first year back in the top-flight since 2017.
Xhaka plays down transfer talk
As speculation mounts over his future Xhaka, has insisted this is not something he is entertaining whilst away on international duty.
Asked about his next move, the Swiss star 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."
Xhaka's eyes were certainly on the prize in Switzerland's latest World Cup game, playing all 90 minutes of their victory over Algeria.
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso gives instructions during a match against Manchester City
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Under Xabi Alonso, Xhaka helped deliver a domestic treble at Leverkusen in 2024Credit: Getty
Breel Embolo and Nottingham Forest striker Dan Ndoye got on the scoresheet, as the Swiss recorded their first knockout victory at the tournament since 1938.
This means Xhaka's focus will remain on affairs in North America for at least a few more days, with his side to face the winner of Friday's clash between Colombia and Ghana next Tuesday.
Other options
While Chelsea have made their interest in Xhaka known, it remains to be seen how far they will go in their pursuit of him.
The Blues are determined not pay above the odds and have other midfield targets as well.
Alex Scott and Adam Wharton are both appreciated, although the two English players are both highly sought-after.
Arsenal and Manchester United are both keen on Bournemouth star Scott, with the former recently seeing an approach rejected.
Granit Xhaka for Sunderland.
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Xhaka was immediately made captain after joining Sunderland last summerCredit: Getty
Another midfield signing at Chelsea could also lead to Enzo Fernandez getting his move to Real Madrid that he has desired.
But that now appears in major doubt, with the Spanish giants releasing a statement insisting they have 'no intention' of signing the Argentine.
Xhaka and Xabi reunion?
Xhaka's performances at Sunderland caught the eye last term, as he helped his side seamlessly make the step up to the Premier League.
He played 34 league games for the Black Cats after joining the club last summer, instantlymaking a huge impact on and off the pitchas they remarkably went on to finish seventh.
And while the 33-year-old's role may have surprised some, having departed Arsenal in 2023 after struggling to win fans over, Alonso will have known only too well what the midfielder offers.
Xabi Alonso and Granit Xhaka
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Xhaka was an ever-present in Alonso's Leverkusen team, making 99 appearances for him in two yearsCredit: AFP
The pair struck up a close relationship whilst working together at Leverkusen, with Xhaka heaping praise on his manager at the time.
Early on in his spell at Leverkusen, Xhaka said: "It's a dream for me to play under Xabi Alonso.
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"He was a world-class player in the same position as me - I played against him myself.
"He gives me things that I can take. We have a great team, a great coach and a great mentality. We work hard daily and you can see the results on the ground."