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Cole Palmer appears to have given his seal of approval to Chelsea’s pursuit of former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka, as new manager Xabi Alonso looks to reshape his midfield. The Blues are reportedly in discussions to bring the Switzerland international back to London from Sunderland in a move that would prioritise experience over youth.

Chelsea have suffered a significant blow in their summer transfer plans after Sunderland swiftly rejected an opening bid for Granit Xhaka. The Blues reportedly submitted an offer to reunite the midfielder with new manager Xabi Alonso, but Sunderland have deemed it "unacceptable" and insisted that he is not for sale under any circumstances.

Chelsea have reportedly entered talks with the representatives of Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka over a potential summer move to Stamford Bridge. The veteran Switzerland international is said to be open to the move, which would see him reunite with Xabi Alonso after their historic title-winning campaign together at Bayer Leverkusen.

Legendary former Sunderland boss Peter Reid has admitted to GOAL that he did not give the Black Cats “a prayer” of securing European qualification at the end of their first season back in the Premier League, but he is now backing them to find more “ammo” in the summer transfer window. Regis Le Bris and his board are ready to spend again after upsetting the odds with a seventh-place finish.