Sunderland 'doing everything' to block Granit Xhaka joining Chelsea despite 'agreement'

Sunderland are doing everything in their power to keep Granit Xhaka despite suggestions he has agreed personal terms with Chelsea.

Regis Le Bris has no plans to weaken his squad in the summer transfer window as he prepares his side for Europa League football, with the 33-year-old vital to his plans.

Chelsea have already seen an opening offer of £8million dismissed out of hand by the Black Cats, but are said to have been given encouragement by the midfielder's camp.

However, former Sunderland chief scout Mick Brown warned Football Insider that Xhaka's willingness to make the move will have no impact on whether a deal is agreed.

The Switzerland international is under contract at the Stadium of Light until 2028 and are under no pressure to sell despite Chelsea's advances.

Meanwhile, further derisory offers like the seven-figure bid already tabled will only serve to firm up Sunderland's stance, as they see Chelsea's initial offer as "embarrassing".

How do Sunderland feel about selling Granit Xhaka?

Football Insider revealed on 29 June that Sunderland are determined to keep hold of Xhaka and have warned Chelsea he is not for sale at any price this summer.

Their stance is highly unlikely to change, and while Xabi Alonso is believed to be playing a key role in persuading the midfielder, that will do little to impact Sunderland.

Le Bris has been clear that he wants to continue to be ambitious and build on an incredible first seaon back in the Premier League, and keeping their best players will be key.

"I don't see any reason Sunderland would entertain offers for Granit Xhaka now," Brown told Football Insider.

"He's under contract there until 2028, they're under no financial pressure to sell, and the manager is not going to be willing to weaken his squad after a strong season.

"As far as Sunderland are concerned, he is not for sale, and they are doing everything in their power to make sure he stays as part of their plans.

"Whether or not he wants to move to Chelsea or has agreed to join is irrelevant at this stage, the club don't want to sell, and if no agreement is reached, he will still be a Sunderland player.

"I don't know what Chelsea were thinking, making an offer like £8m, it's embarrassing for them because Sunderland were never going to sell at that price.

"If anything, it'll firm up their stance even more, because what made Chelsea think they would sell for such a low offer? It's going to take serious money to even think about it now."

What is Chelsea's updated stance on Xhaka?

Despite Sunderland's outright refusal to sell, Chelsea are not believed to have walked away from their pursuit, and they remain hopeful of luring him away.

The Blues are believed to be reluctant to pay over the odds for an ageing player, but Alonso has been the driving force behnid the deal and is pushing for a fresh bid.

Brown told Football Insider on 29 June that Alonso is pushing Chelsea to make a fresh move for Xhaka as he sees him as a key part of his plans at Stamford Bridge.

Alonso has always spoken very highly of Xhaka since working with him at Leverkusen, and his arrival in West London could raise the standards of his teammates.

Bringing in an experienced leader who already knows the manager's ways would be seen as a valuable addition to what is a young Chelsea squad.