The Black Cats made contact with Leverkusen at the start of this week after identifying the 32-year-old as a midfield target, and after initial talks sources in Germany now say the Premier League club have tabled an opening bid.
But fresh reports from Bild today claim Leverkusen want €20m for Xhaka, who still has three years left to run on his current contract with the club.
And Rolfes says Leverkusen will only sanction the midfielder’s exit if “it’s a win-win situation” for the German club.
He said: “Granit is a very important player for us – for the team and for the club. Our main interest is to keep him.
“Sure, there is interest in him, we need to talk to the player to find out what his ambitions are.
“But one thing is clear: a transfer would only happen if it was a win-win situation.”
RECOMMENDED READING:
Rolfes added: “We still have three years left on the player’s contract and are very happy with him.
“We have big goals for the next few years. Therefore, a transfer can only take place if it’s good for all parties.
“We’ll have to wait and see. But our goal is for Granit to stay with us.”
Saudi club NEOM SC pulled out of the race to sign Xhaka on Thursday after failing to make a breakthrough in talks with Leverkusen.
But Sunderland remain interested, with the club’s recruitment and coaching staff of the view that Xhaka will offer priceless top level experience.
Xhaka turns 33 in September but is still captaining Switzerland and started 33 of Leverkusen’s 34 league games last season, as Xabi Alonso’s side finished second.
Alonso has since left for Real Madrid and been replaced by former Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, and as Leverkusen plan for the coming season, Rolfes has stressed the need for clarity with Xhaka’s situation sooner rather than later, saying the issue won’t be drawn out across the entire transfer window”.
Sunderland have already made six signings this summer, including three midfielders in Enzo Le Fee, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki, but are still looking to make several more signings ahead of the start of the Premier League season and the summer transfer deadline a fortnight later.
The Black Cats are prioritising a central defender, but also want a goalkeeper and a centre forward.
They’ll also sanction the exit of a number of fringe players, with Regis Le Bris confirming last week that the likes of Ian Poveda, Hemir, Nazariy Rusyn, Abdoullah Ba and Pierre Ekwah can all leave.