SUNDERLAND REJECT CHELSEA BID FOR XHAKA

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris has declared Chelsea's pursuit of captain Granit Xhaka "closed" and stated there is no prospect of the club selling the midfielder this summer. Chelsea made an £8m bid for the 33-year-old this month, with new manager Xabi Alonso seeking to be reunited with his former player from Bayer Leverkusen. Sunderland immediately rejected the offer. Le Bris made the declaration after Sunderland's 4-2 pre-season friendly defeat by Liverpool in Nashville on Saturday.

Xhaka played a significant role in Sunderland's return to the Premier League last season, helping the club qualify for the Europa League. Le Bris stated that Xhaka has been clear about his future intentions. "He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland," Le Bris said. "He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. Great leader." The manager added that Sunderland's transfer activity this summer would be modest by comparison to the previous window, when the club signed 14 new players ahead of their Premier League return.

Sunderland have so far signed only experienced Belgium defender Thomas Meunier on a free transfer from Lille. Le Bris indicated that further signings are anticipated but emphasised the club's preference to work quietly in the transfer market rather than attract public attention to ongoing negotiations. The club will now prepare for their first season in European competition since their top-flight return.