Granit Xhaka move back on! Sunderland switch still possible as Bayer Leverkusen set asking price despite Erik ten Hag's furious denial

Xhaka has been a wanted man this summer, with the likes of AC Milan and Inter keen to sign the Swiss star. However, Leverkusen did not want to lose the midfielder after having sold three of their most valued assets in this summer window, with Jeremie Frimpong and Florian Wirtz moving to Liverpool while Jonathan Tah left for Bayern Munich. Head coach Erik ten Hag was vocal about not wanting to part ways with Xhaka, but the situation appears to be out of his hands.

Sunderland swooped in to bring Xhaka back to the Premier League, reportedly reaching an agreement which will see the ex-Arsenal player earn €10 million (£8m/$11m) annually – €3m more than his contract with Leverkusen. According to Bild, the transfer fiasco can soon come to an end as the German club have changed their stance and are willing to sell him for around €20m (£17m/$23m).

Xhaka has rejected many proposals in this transfer window, ranging from AC Milan to Saudi club Neom, who were all willing to offer his desired wages but couldn't meet Leverkusen's asking price.

Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes has now clarified the situation surrounding the veteran, saying: "There will be a decision this week. Granit's side knows the conditions under which a transfer is possible. If that doesn't happen, he'll stay."

Coach Ten Hag will have to restructure his plans after Xhaka departs. The midfielder has been one of the most integral players of the team, and the club had counted on him to stay and continue his journey with the German club. Rolfes will now have to scout the transfer market to find Xhaka's replacement, and this could be a difficult task with limited options and time.