Granit Xhaka makes Chelsea transfer decision

Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has decided to stay put with the Black Cats amid the transfer interest from Chelsea, according to Sky Sports.

The Swiss international was the subject of an £8m bid from the Blues last week. The proposal was rejected by Sunderland, who insisted that he was not for sale at any price.

Chelsea were planning to make a fresh proposal for him recently, but Xhaka has now made the decision to commit his immediate future to the Wearside outfit.

The former Arsenal man was eager to return to London and reunite with his former Bayer Leverkusen manager, Xabi Alonso at Chelsea, but he has now changed his stance.

Xhaka has been convinced by the Black Cats' transfer ambition for the summer, and they see him as a pivotal figure as they seek to repeat last season's success.

Sunderland exceeded expectations on their top-flight return last term, finishing seventh in the table. They will be playing in Europe for the first time in over 50 years.