Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that Sunderland and Bayer Leverkusen have reached an agreement for the transfer of Granit Xhaka.

Former Sunderland manager Martin O’Neill has delivered his verdict on the club’s anticipated swoop for Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Granit Xhaka, suggesting that the Swiss international’s experience could prove to be a valuable asset for the Black Cats in their bid for Premier League survival this season.

Bayer Leverkusen are reportedly ready to let Granit Xhaka go - provided their valuation is met. According to Bild, Die Werkself are prepared to let the Swiss international join Sunderland for a fee of €20 million, including bonuses.

At the start of last week, Granit Xhaka’s agent confirmed his client has an agreement in place with Sunderland. Bayer Leverkusen are said to have rejected the Black Cats’ initial offer which was short of their €20m demand.

Adding Xhaka is a jaw-dropping move for Sunderland to make, but throwing the "sensational" Moroccan - as he's been labelled by football analyst Ben Mattinson - into the mix, too, would be yet another sublime move that catches the eye.

Head coach Erik ten Hag says Sunderland target Granit Xhaka will not be allowed to leave Bayer Leverkusen this summer.The 32-year-old former Arsenal midfielder's agent told German media on Tuesday he had agreed personal terms with the newly promoted Premier League club and wanted to return to England.

The Newcastle United icon has addressed Sunderland’s ongoing transfer interest in Granit Xhaka Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer has admitted that Granit Xhaka would be a “really good addition” to bitter rivals Sunderland amid ongoing transfer speculation involving the Black Cats and the Swiss international.