Sunderland will look to intensify efforts for Bayer Leverkusen’s Granit Xhaka | OneFootball

Kicker reports that Sunderland are now expected to intensify their efforts for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.

A decision is expected this week on the future of the Swiss midfielder, as despite it being previously reported that Sunderland may not be able to agree a deal with die Werkself, the newly promoted Premier League side has not given up.

Leverkusen still demand €20m, but Sunderland are said to be open to paying the fee. Kölner-Stadt Anzeiger reports that die Werkself are open to a fee just below €20m. If Leverkusen receives this fee, Xhaka will be allowed to leave.

Die Werkself head coach Erik ten Hag has continued to campaign to keep Xhaka at the club as Florian Wirtz, Jeremie Frimpong and Jonathan Tah have already left the BayArena this summer, while Lukas Hradecky could also follow out the door, this would leave Leverkusen with no recognised leader, as the axis of their title win and second place last season have departed.

GGFN | Jack Meenan