How the bookies rate Newcastle United's chances landing Arsenal ace Granit Xhaka in January

Arsenal's Granit Xhaka is a player who could well be looking to make a move next month, after being stripped of the captain's armband following his infamous on-field confrontation with Arsenal fans in their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace in October.

Of course, with the Gunners on the brink of announcing a new manager following Unai Emery's departure, their next coach - Mikel Arteta is the current favourite to get the job - may look to keep the Swiss international on the books, and help him to rebuild his shattered relationship with the Arsenal fan base.

Nevertheless, the Magpies have been repeatedly linked with the tough-tackling midfielder in recent weeks, and bookmakers Sky Bet have priced up their odds of signing him next month, alongside a host of other teams.

As things stand, AC Milan are the 6/1 favourites to strike a permanent deal for the 27-year-old. Atletico Madrid and Borussia Monchengladbach are joint second, both priced at 12/1.

The rather vague option of 'Any Chinese Super League club' is there at 14/1, followed by Steve Bruce's side at a fairly distant 16/1. However, the likes of West Ham United, Inter, and Juventus are all longer shots than the Magpies.

While the odds of Xhaka leaving on a permanent deal appear to be distant all round, there still remains a possibility that the player could leave on a loan move instead - a cheaper, short-term option which could well be of greater interest to Newcastle.