Cole Palmer backs Chelsea move for Granit Xhaka as Alonso reshapes midfield

Cole Palmer appeared to endorse Chelsea’s interest in Granit Xhaka after he engaged with a social-media update from Fabrizio Romano suggesting Xhaka could be a "surprise signing" for the club.

Xabi Alonso’s interest is linked to Xhaka’s role in his Bayer Leverkusen title-winning side. The 33-year-old has spent the last year at Sunderland, captaining them to a seventh-place finish and European qualification.

Chelsea have reportedly opened talks and submitted a formal bid that Sunderland rejected, despite the midfielder’s long-term contract and the club’s insistence that he is not for sale.

Targeting an experienced leader would mark a departure from the recent emphasis on young prospects, as the Blues prepare a midfield overhaul amid heavy interest from Real Madrid in Enzo Fernandez; if the deal goes through, Xhaka would join those who have moved between London rivals, such as Jorginho and Kai Havertz.

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