As former Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka looks to be closing in on a transfer to newly-promoted Sunderland, his Bayer Leverkusen manager Erik ten Hag appears to have taken a stance against the move.

The proposed transfer is believed to be worth approximately £8.7m and is currently being negotiated between the two clubs. Xhaka is said to have requested that Leverkusen finalise the deal quickly, with the aim of joining Regis Le Bris ’s squad in time for pre-season preparations.

Sunderland head coach Régis Le Bris spoke to The Echo after the 1-0 defeat to Sporting Lisbon at Estadio Algarve on Monday night. He reflected on an encouraging performance despite the result and gave an update on the club’s transfer plans, as well as confirming the current injury situation at the club.

Granit Xhaka is hoping to secure a move to Sunderland this summer, with the former Arsenal midfielder only wanting to join the Black Cats. The 32-year-old has been with Bayer Leverkusen since leaving the Gunners in 2023 and has enjoyed a successful time with the German club.

Granit Xhaka is the latest name linked with a move to Sunderland AFC, as Regis Le Bris continues to ready the Black Cats for their first season back in the Premier League in almost a decade

Granit Xhaka’s agent says Sunderland have a deal in place – and urges Bayer Leverkusen to agree sale Granit Xhaka has reached an agreement in principle with Sunderland – and now wants Bayer Leverkusen to sanction his exit immediately.

Max Allegri ‘wanted Granit Xhaka at Milan and really appreciates Pervis Estupinan,’ confirmed mentor Giovanni Galeone, but ‘expects a very strong squad.’The Rossoneri’s transfer strategy