Sources: Chelsea 'hopeful' £17m Granit Xhaka offer can finalise deal
Chelsea are planning to make an improved offer for Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka, sources have told Football Insider.
The Blues have already had an £8million bid rejected for the 33-year-old, with that offer viewed as "derisory" at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland are not keen on the idea of selling the Switzerland international, and are looking to recoup as much money as possible for him if Chelsea continue to press for a deal.
Sources have indicated that the West Londoners are "hopeful" that a £17m bid could be accepted by the Black Cats in the coming weeks.
That is the exact amount that the Wearsiders shelled out to sign the veteran from Bayer Leverkusen last summer.
Chelsea are working to bolster their squad for Xabi Alonso, and they are now trying to sign a man who was integral to his title win at Leverkusen.
Sunderland 'doing everything' to keep Granit Xhaka
Football Insider revealed on Monday that Sunderland are "doing everything they can" to try to keep Xhaka this summer.
Alonso is personally pushing for Chelsea to sign the former Arsenal man, while there are even reports suggesting that the player has already agreed personal terms with the capital club.
Sunderland are hugely reluctant to let him leave ahead of next season, but have accepted the fact that they may have to sell if Xhaka becomes unhappy.
He started 32 Premier League games for Regis Le Bris' men in the middle of the park last term, and played a huge role in them securing Europa League football.
However, Alonso's power at Stamford Bridge is strong in his first few months in the job, and he is desperate to be reunited with his former star.
Ex-Sunderland scout reacts to Xhaka links
Former Sunderland scout Mick Brown has told Football Insider that a deal for Xhaka is "never going to happen" unless Chelsea up their offer significantly.
He then made it clear that the board at Stamford Bridge will have major doubts about paying substantial money for a 33-year-old.
Brown emphasised that the deal will be "difficult" for Chelsea to do, regardless of the player's stance on a move.
Alonso is currently fighting against the aims of the club hierarchy and the recruitment team in order to get his man, given how well he has served him in the past.