Chelsea make opening bid to sign Granit Xhaka

Chelsea have made an opening bid worth £8 million to sign Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka, according to journalist David Ornstein.

The west London giants are expected to change their transfer policy this summer, with a focus on experienced and ready-made signings.

New manager Xabi Alonso has personally recommended the Blues to land Xhaka from the Black Cats, but a deal is highly unlikely now.

Chelsea made a lowly £8m bid for the Switzerland international, which was immediately snubbed, given the Black Cats signed him for £17m.

The Wearside outfit have now clarified that they won't entertain any more offers for the 33-year-old and he is not for sale this summer.

The news is a huge blow for Alonso, who was determined to reunite with Xhaka after their time together working at Bayer Leverkusen.

The Spanish tactician believed Xhaka would be a proper leader in midfield, and will now need to pursue an alternative in the transfer market.