Saudi club Neom SC have dropped out of the race to sign Sunderland target Granit Xhaka, according to reports.
The Black Cats have been heavily linked with an ambitious swoop for the Bayer Leverkusen star in recent days, with suggestions that transfer chiefs on Wearside are hoping to wrap up a deal worth around £8.7 million this summer.
To that end, it has been widely reported that Sunderland were facing competition from Neom for Xhaka’s services, but a fresh update from continental journalist Sacha Tavolieri has stated that the Middle Eastern side are now out of the running.
What has been said about Neom’s interest in Granit Xhaka amid Sunderland transfer links?
Writing on X, Tavolieri said: “Neom SC now out of the race for Granit Xhaka as they won’t pay more than €8m [£6.9m] to Bayer Leverkusen. Deal was stalling Tuesday & at standstill today. Sunderland’s a clear option for Xhaka, as [are] Fenerbahçe, who spoke directly with the Swiss. However, there’s a feeling that Xhaka [could] drive up the price to get the best possible offer. It’s not out of the question that Xhaka could stay at Bayer, either.”
Elsewhere, despite initial reports that Xhaka could be available for around £8.7 million this summer, German outlet Kicker has since suggested that Leverkusen could demand as much as £17.3 million for the player.
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