Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has confirmed captain Granit Xhaka will remain at the club this summer, declaring the speculation linking him to Chelsea "closed." Xhaka joined Sunderland in a £17.2million deal from Bayer Leverkusen last summer and was instrumental as they qualified for the Europa League.

Last month, sources told ESPN that Chelsea were exploring a move for the 33-year-old, who previously worked under new Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso at Leverkusen. However, after Sunderland's 4-2 preseason defeat to Liverpool in Nashville, Le Bris stated emphatically: "No, this topic is closed. He has been really clear about his future. He loves Sunderland, he wants to stay in Sunderland."

Le Bris also indicated a quiet transfer window ahead, contrasting with last summer's overhaul when the club signed 14 new players following their Premier League return via the playoffs. "It's going to be quiet. Under the radar... we are working hard behind the scenes," he said.