Luke Edwards has confirmed Steve Bruce is trying to bring Granit Xhaka to Newcastle in January – and has shared some intriguing details on the potential deal during his latest piece for The Telegraph.
He believes AC Milan are the current favourites for his signature, but states that Steve Bruce has been ‘led to believe there is a chance Xhaka could move to the North East’ in the new year.
Edwards also reveals that the former Arsenal skipper has been told ‘good things about the club and the city’ by Swiss teammate Fabian Schar.
His latest story also confirms that the signing of a central midfielder is Bruce’s ‘main priority’ in January, believing Xhaka is a player who would give his side ‘more drive’ in the middle of the park.
Here’s a snippet from his latest piece for The Telegraph today:
Newcastle United are interested in signing Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka on loan in January if the player wants to remain in the Premier League.
Italian club AC Milan are thought to be the favourites to land the Switzerland international, but Newcastle manager Steve Bruce is monitoring the situation and has been led to believe there is a chance Xhaka could move to the North East.
The 27 year-old is keen to leave and wants to play regularly in order to ensure he is part of Switzerland’s European Championship squad in the summer and is aware of Newcastle’s interest. Xhaka is an international teammate of Newcastle defender Fabian Schar and has been told good things about the club and the city.
Bruce has made the signing of a new central midfielder his main priority in the January transfer window but will not be panicked into signing someone for the sake of it. Xhaka, though, is a player he feels will improve the squad and give Newcastle more drive in the middle of the pitch, although they are looking at other targets given the competition to sign him.
It seems we’re in with a chance, but it may well come down to just how much he wants to remain in the Premier League.
AC Milan and a few big Bundesliga sides have been strongly linked, meaning he’s got plenty attractive options abroad, although he may be tempted to stay in England – especially if it means linking up with Swiss teammate Fabian Schar.
I have my doubts about this one – I’m not sure quite how he fits in and would be surprise if we could afford his wages (even on loan) – but it seems Steve Bruce is showing serious interest.
What an absolutley ridiculous thought. Why on earth would he even consider coming to play for us and why would we agree to pay that kind of salary for a player who has blotted his copybook with Arsenal?
Surely our days of trying to make use of other teams wild childs are over?
Brrrian(Quote)
A nothing story, much like Cisse coming back or the Takeover and now the Tacover from the Mexicans.
Beggars belief that anyone with a football brain would ever think A player like Xhaka would join us. Because his Swiss team mate is here??? FFS do me a favour that is the biggest load of Sunderland gossip I’ve heard in a while.
A new take over story next week. 😎
Cocobear(Quote)