Bayer Leverkusen manager, Erik ten Hag, has dismissed the idea of Granit Xhaka being sold by the Bundesliga club this summer.
The Swiss midfielder is of strong interest to Sunderland, with the player and his agent keen to get a potential transfer sorted as quick as possible.
Xhaka is already believed to have an agreement on personal terms with the newly promoted Premier League club, but it appears a deal to take the midfielder to England is further away than initially presumed.
Bayer Leverkusen have already had to move on star players Florian Wirtz and Jeremie Frimpong this summer, with both players being sold to Liverpool.
Also, Jonathan Tah joined Bundesliga rivals, Bayern Munich, and Xabi Alonso left his position as manager to take the reins at Real Madrid.
With the mass exodus that has already occurred at the German club recently, there is a reluctance to allow more influential figures to leave as it would weaken the side further.
📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
What did Erik ten Hag say?
Ten Hag elaborated on this, saying: "We won't let any more players go, that's not possible. That would neglect the structure and also the culture of the squad. It's clear - Granit is a leader, he has three years left on his contract. He's too important for us to let him go."
The new Bayer Leverkusen boss is also unfazed at Xhaka's agent's confidence to get a deal done between the Bundesliga side and Sunderland. He firmly stated: "The agent can say anything. But this club has already lost three important players."
Should Xhaka secure a move to The Black Cats, it will mark a return to English football. The Switzerland international previously spent seven seasons at Arsenal before departing for Bayer Leverkusen two years ago.
Securing the signature of Xhaka would be a major coup for Sunderland, as his authority in the midfield and large experience could be a pivotal factor in Regis Le Bris' team avoiding the drop back to the Championship next season.
Football news and related links
Brentford stance revealed as Newcastle claim made after Mbeumo to Man Utd transfer
Manchester United's striker hunt intensifies as exploratory talks held for PL goal scorer