Alonso has since left for Real Madrid and been replaced by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, and as Leverkusen plan for the coming season, Rolfes has stressed the need for clarity with Xhaka's situation sooner rather than later, saying the issue won't be drawn out across the entire transfer window".

Sunderland are interested in signing Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen; the 32-year-old has three years left on his current deal; Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabia for the ex-Arsenal midfielder;

Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has now made his feelings about returning to the Premier League with Sunderland very clear.