Sunderland move to keep Xhaka and Brobbey
Reports claim Sunderland plan to block offers for Brian Brobbey despite interest from Manchester United, Chelsea and Aston Villa, with the club keen to keep key players for their Europa League campaign.
Sunderland troubled Liverpool before losing 4-2 in Nashville, but the focus is on Iraola's pressing game, Szoboszlai's impact and Joe Gomez's early injury.
Sunderland's quiet window should not cause panic, with key players still to join up and only three or four signings viewed as needed before the season starts.
Regis Le Bris told Chelsea to forget Granit Xhaka, saying 'the topic is closed' after Sunderland rejected an £8m bid and their captain reaffirmed he wants to stay.
Chris Rigg has looked transformed in pre-season against York and Liverpool, with greater physicality and creativity suggesting he can impose himself in the Premier League.
