Newcastle United boss Steve Bruce believes Fabian Schar could hold the key in a potential move to bring Granit Xhaka to the club in January, according to reports.

DUBLIN, IRELAND - SEPTEMBER 05: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland celebrates the goal of Fabian Schar during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Republic of Ireland and Switzerland at Aviva Stadium on September 05, 2019 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
DUBLIN, IRELAND – SEPTEMBER 05: Granit Xhaka of Switzerland celebrates the goal of Fabian Schar during the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifier between Republic of Ireland and Switzerland at Aviva Stadium on September 05, 2019, in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)

Sky Sports News report that Steve Bruce has been made aware of the Arsenal midfielder’s availability in January, and he believes the player’s close relationship with Newcastle’s Schar could give them a chance to sign Xhaka on loan.

Sky claim Xhaka has drawn plenty of interest, particularly from Italy, and he’s keeping his options open as things stand. Newcastle would be expected to pay a significant portion of Xhaka’s wages if a deal were to take place.

Most recently, Xhaka impressed on his return to the Swiss national team, playing his first minutes since his acrimonious substitution against Crystal Palace.

We’re all a bit in limbo about whether he’s set to return to the Arsenal team or not though. He didn’t make the squad for the last three matches, with reports suggesting he needed time to move past the Palace incident.

Now that he’s back on the pitch for Switzerland, with a few weeks having passed, there’s no real reason Xhaka shouldn’t be able to play for Arsenal as well. It’s just whether reintegration is actually the plan or not.