Sunderland exploring move to sign Xhaka

Sunderland are exploring an ambitious move to sign Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka has three years left on his Leverkusen deal but could be allowed to leave this window.

Sunderland are interested in signing the 32-year-old Bundesliga winner to spearhead their Premier League return.

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Sunderland face competition from Saudi Arabia for the ex-Arsenal midfielder's signature.

Xhaka is hugely experienced with 137 caps for Switzerland and fits the profile for Regis Le Bris' young team.

More to follow.

Sky Sports to show 215 live Premier League games from next season

From next season, Sky Sports' Premier League coverage will increase from 128 matches to at least 215 games exclusively live.

And 80 per cent of all televised Premier League games next season are on Sky Sports.