A report in the Daily Star claims that Newcastle United have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka.
The Swiss international scored for his country on Monday but is destined to leave the Emirates after he was axed as captain and fell out with many Gunners fans.
Newcastle were linked with a move for Xhaka last week, but the Star reports that Arsenal will use their former captain to bring in Denis Zakaria from Borussia Monchengladbach.
Zakaria is valued at £25.2m by Monchengladbach.
Xhaka was brought in from Monchengladbach in 2016 and may well fancy moving back to the club where he established himself as a top midfielder.
Bruce, however, still believes that he can convince Xhaka to swap the Emirates for Tyneside and re-establish himself as a respected Premier League player.
Perhaps a move away from Arsenal to Newcastle would allow the Swiss to thrive?
Do you think Newcastle will sign Xhaka in January?
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The Xhaka transfer saga is sure to rumble on deep into the January transfer window, and it seems that the Toon will face stiff competition for his signature.