Former Arsenal star Granit Xhaka is said to have been the target of a Premier League return this summer.
The Swiss midfielder left Arsenal in the summer of 2023 and joined Bayer Leverkusen in a £ 21.4 million movement.
Xhaka's time with the Gunners was mixed, despite winning two FA cups and playing a central role among three different managers.
During the seven years in the club, he was particularly crashed with supporters, whereby the midfielder of the club capincy was stripped after he had responded angry when he was booed in a match in 2019.
The midfielder, now 32, enjoyed a successful spell in the Bundesliga with Leverkusen.
Xhaka was an important part of the team under Xabi Alonso that the Maiden Bundesliga title earned from the club, including scoring in their last day victory to complete an invincible competition season.
He also lifted the German cup in the same season, while Leverkusen finished second in the Europa League.
The future of Xhaka this summer, with the newly promoted Sunderland reportedly, is considering an ambitious step to sign him, according to Sky Sports.
Allegedly the Black Cats want Xhaka to lead the club at their Premier League referee, with his experience seen as a key to helping their struggle to survive.
Sunderland is expected to be confronted with competition from Saudi Arabian clubs to sign Xhaka, which has three years on his Leverkusen contract.
Saudi Pro League -Outfit Neom is said to be seen as the front runners to sign Xhaka when he chooses to move to the Lucrative League.
Leverkusen Managing Director for Sport, Simon Rolfes, has admitted that the future of Xhaka will soon be decided.
'There is interest, but so far nothing has become concrete.
'Of course we are now in the phase in which we complete the team – that is clear.
'Granit plays an important role in this, so it will certainly not be a problem that the entire transfer window drags on.
'There will be some changes in the team in general. But at some point the team must be 95 percent complete and Granit is an important part of that. So there will certainly be a decision rather than later.
Sunderland has already invested heavily when they look to strengthen the Regis Le Bris team for the Premier League.
The black cats have already signed Habib Diarra from Strasbourg for £ 30 million and Wingers Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra for £ 19.5 million and £ 21 million respectively.
Noah Sadiki joined the Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise for £ 17.5 million, while Full Back Reinildo signed with a free transfer from Atletico Madrid.