Chelsea have been to forget once and for all about making a renewed effort to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka.
The Switzerland international appeared to have had his head turned earlier this month when the Blues made a surprise £8million bid.
Xhaka joined the Black Cats last summer and became an instant hit at the Stadium of Light, powering Regis Le Bris’ side to European qualification following a surprise seventh placed finish.
The chance to be reunited with Xabi Alonso though appeared too good an opportunity to resist for Xhaka, who helped Bayer Leverkusen win their maiden Bundesliga title under the Spaniard’s management.
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Chelsea’s advances were swiftly rebuffed by Sunderland but Xhaka reportedly had his heart set on a return to London where he had spent seven years with Arsenal.
The 33-year-old has since reaffirmed his commitment to Sunderland, but Alonso failed to elaborate on whether the door had been closed for good on a renewed effort to sign the experienced midfielder later in the window during his first press conference for his new club.
Le Bris, however, remains adamant that Xhaka will stay put and lead the north east club once he returns from an extended break following his World Cup exertions.
‘No, this topic is closed,’ said Sunderland’s French manager when asked about Xhaka.
‘He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland.
He wants to make the future of Sunderland. He is a good captain. A great leader.’
Sunderland’s ambitious recruitment drive 12 months ago saw them bring in 14 news players as they overhauled their squad upon promotion from the Championship.
Le Bris has told fans to be patient this time around with only full-back Thomas Meunier having arrived thus far this summer.
Le Bris added: ‘It’s going to be quiet. Under the radar, right? Because I think we are working hard behind the scenes, and it’s really important to be quiet because otherwise, it’s a mess.
‘And we are looking at probably a different transfer window if you compare with last season.
‘We had to sign 14 new players. That won’t be the case this year. We’ll see what will happen.’