Newcastle United defender Fabian Schar is having an influence on their pursuit of Arsenal outcast Granit Xhaka.

Xhaka has been linked with a winter move to Newcastle after he was stripped of the Arsenal captaincy for his reaction to being booed off by the Gunners supporters when substituted during their 2-2 draw with Crystal Palace.

The Evening Chronicle says AC Milan are believed to be favourites to sign Xhaka, but the Magpies can count on Schar to offer them an advantage.

The pair start regularly together for Switzerland and also played together for FC Basel. Xhaka is keen for regular football between now and the end of the season to safeguard his place in the Swiss squad for this summer's EURO 2020.

Xhaka is said to be aware of Newcastle's interest and has spoken to Schar about the situation.

The Telegraph claims Schar has told Xhaka 'good things about the club and the city', as he looks to convince him to join him on Tyneside.