Chelsea ready to make £12.8m bid for Granit Xhaka

Chelsea are ready to make an improved bid worth £12.8 million to sign Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka.

The Swiss international joined the Black Cats from Bayer Leverkusen last summer, and he had a brilliant campaign as their captain.

Sunderland qualified for the Europa League against the odds, but it now appears Xhaka is keen on returning to the English capital.

The former Arsenal man is on the radar of Chelsea and reports claim that he is eager to reunite with former Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso.

The Blues had an opening bid worth £8m turned down for the 33-year-old, but they are prepared to make an improved £12.8m offer soon.

Xhaka has already agreed terms with the west London giants, and it remains to be seen whether the Black Cats sanction his sale if a renewed bid arrives.

They currently have a not-for-sale stance on the former Arsenal star, given his experience to guide them in their Europa League campaign.