Bayer Leverkusen CEO Simon Rolfes has insisted there is no new offer in place from Sunderland for Granit Xhaka yet, despite his agent pushing the move today.
Kicker cover comments from Rolfes today after reports earlier today that a move to Sunderland was on the cards for Xhaka.
The Black Cats have been linked with a move for the Switzerland international over the last week as they continue their summer rebuild ahead of their return to the Premier League.
However, his agent set the transfer on fire today by insisting publicly that the former Arsenal man wants the transfer and they are working to make that happen.
Kicker say the same, reporting the Xhaka is pushing for the move to Sunderland increasing the pressure on Leverkusen to sanction a deal. He wants an early agreement between the two clubs.
Leverkusen, though, are standing by their guns and insisting that any deal is ‘win-win’ for them. They want €20m for the midfielder. Sunderland’s first rejected bid was worth around €10m.
There is likely to be wiggle room on that as the German club will weigh up the fact he is 32 years old, a top earner they can get off of the books and unlikely to get a big fee again in future. There’s also the fact he disappointed in the end of last season and wants the Sunderland move as well.
For now, though, they’re maintaining their stance, as is Rolfes, who appears unmoved on the whole affair.
“There is no new offer,” he said when questioned.
“It remains as I have always said, (Xhaka is) a very important player for us.”
