Inter aim to beat Sunderland and Saudi Arabian side to Granit Xhaka signing as Hakan Calhanoglu emerges as possible Fenerbahce target

According to Gazzetta dello Sport, Inter are leading the race for Xhaka, but the Swiss midfielder's transfer hinges on Calhanoglu's situation. The Turkish midfielder had been targeted by Galatasaray but no move has materialised due to Inter's high demands. Now, Fenerbahce have shown interest but are yet to make an offer for the 31-year-old.

Inter have set a €30 million (£26m/$34m) price tag on Calhanoglu and are not willing to budge below €25m (£22m/$29m), with the player's contract running until 2027. The Serie A club have identified Xhaka as their replacement and received positive responses to their enquiries. However, they'll only move forward with the deal once they receive an offer for Calhanoglu. The Swiss international had already been linked with a move to Saudi club Neom and reportedly rejected Sunderland's offer to return to England.

The 20-time Serie A champions are also exploring possible alternatives and have reportedly shortlisted Atalanta's Ederson should a move for Xhaka fall through. Inter sporting director Piero Ausilio was also interested in bringing Manchester City's Mateo Kovacic to San Siro, but the Croatian's injury has dampened his chances of landing in Italy.

Inter need Calhanoglu to resolve his situation at the earliest so the club can strategise for their upcoming season. Xhaka is also being pursued by many teams, and Inter will need to make an offer soon if they wish to pair him with Nicolo Barella in midfield.