Chelsea are interested in signing Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka.
There have been no contacts between the clubs and Sunderland would not welcome any offers as the midfielder is not for sale.
Xhaka is one of the midfield options Chelsea are considering as they look to buy experienced players with proven Premier League experience.
Xhaka worked with Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.
Xhaka turns 34 in September, so Chelsea wonโt be paying more.
Sunderland signed him for ยฃ13 million from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and he played a key role in not only keeping the club in the Premier League but also qualifying for the Europa League.
Xhaka made 34 league appearances last season, scoring one goal and providing six assists. He left Leverkusen after playing 99 times and winning the Bundesliga under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso.
At the time, Xhaka also wanted to return to London with West Ham as an option, but decided against the move.
Before moving to Germany, he spent seven seasons at Arsenal, making 297 appearances and scoring 23 goals.
Palestra undergoes medical at Chelsea
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Speaking on the Transfer Talk podcast, ESPNโs Sam Tai explains why Marco Palestra is the ideal full-back for Xabi Alonso and Chelsea.
Marco Palestra underwent a medical examination at Chelsea on Friday.
The right back is ready to join the team Atalanta in a deal worth ยฃ43 million.
Palestra, 21, arrived in London from Rome on Thursday evening to complete the move.
The Italian will be Alonsoโs first signing as Chelsea manager.
Chelsea target Lacroix
Chelsea are interested in signing a contract Crystal Palace central defender Maxence Lacroix.
Alonso is keen to sign a new centre-back this summer and Lacroix is โโone of several targets.
Meanwhile the Italian side How very interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Trevo Chalobah.
However, a deal for Como looks complicated and there are other clubs interested.