Steve Bruce has described Granit Xhaka as "a very good player" but is refusing to comment on suggestions that Newcastle United could make an audacious move for the out of favour Arsenal man.
Xhaka has been stripped of the captain's armband at the Emirates Stadium and is facing a January exit after falling out of favour with the club.
He clashed with supporters after leaving the field against Crystal Palace last month.
A story in the Times linked United with the Swiss international, when asked about the link, Bruce said: "Granit Xhaka?"
"Look, I was only in the job two weeks and I was linked with 42 players. So I am not going to comment on anybody else's players.
"He is a very good player."
The player earns £130,000 per week and is valued at £30million but the report says that Bruce is only looking for a short-term deal.
Bruce held a transfer meeting with head of recruitment Steve Nickson this week and will have money to spend in January.
The club still have the option of bringing in players on loan from other Premier League clubs.
