Tottenham and Arsenal combine? Ex-Spurs star reveals role in Granit Xhaka's Sunderland transfer

The Swiss international secured a surprise move from Champions League side Bayer Leverkusen to newly-promoted Premier League outfit Sunderland last month. Now, former England forward Defoe has spoken about the midfielder asking for advice about places to live in the north east, the fanbase, the club, and more.

He told Sky Sports: "He [Xhaka] reached out to me because he was on my A license (coaching) when we did it last year. Just if people think, 'Arsenal and Tottenham, that's a bit strange!' but he's a nice guy and a family man. He reached out to me and said 'It looks like I am going to sign for Sunderland, is there anywhere I can live?'. It was important to his wife and kids and for school. I pointed him in the right direction and he obviously spoke to me about the club, I said 'It's a sleeping giant' and a Premier League club at the end of the day. When it's going well there, it's one of the better places to play football. The atmosphere and the fanbase is huge, I am sure he will enjoy it."

Former Arsenal star Xhaka has enjoyed a distinguished career, playing in World Cups, European Championships, the Champions League, and winning trophies. So for many, it was a surprise to see him move to a side that is one of the favourites to be relegated from the Premier League. But it seems he still wants another crack at English football.

The 32-year-old, who joined Regis Le Bris' team on a three-year deal, could make his full Sunderland debut as the north east outfit host West Ham in their Premier League opener on Saturday, August 16.