Newcastle United are striving to finalise a deal for FC Schalke 04 midfielder Nabil Bentaleb before our trip to Everton on Tuesday night, according to the Chronicle.
Bentaleb has been frozen out of the first-team picture at Schalke for more than a year over unprofessional behaviour, which included a failure to report for German lessons following his move from Tottenham Hotspur in 2017.
Die Konigsblauen boss David Wagner has never turned to the 25-year-old’s services since taking charge at the Veltins Arena last summer, with the £4.5millon-rated midfielder’s only action of the term coming in Schalke’s second string.
Bentaleb is now looking for a fresh start after being made available for a winter transfer, and was on Tyneside on Monday to hold a medical ahead of an expected half-season loan deal.
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Head coach Steve Bruce is yearning to boost his midfield numbers during the mid-season transfer window, and could soon have Bentaleb to call on after the Algerian snubbed a move to Crystal Palace.
The Eagles were a potential rival bidder in our efforts to secure a loan deal with Schalke for Bentaleb, after reports suggested Roy Hodgson’s Selhurst Park natives, Everton and Aston Villa had been offered his services.
Bentaleb is seemingly not keen on a move to Palace, though, as the 35-cap international is said to be open to having a loan spell at St. James’ Park turned into a permanent move come the summer.
There remains some work to be done in finalising a temporary deal for Bentaleb, who will be severely lacking match fitness should he sign with United this month.
In other Newcastle United news, the club have made inquiries to sign a £7.5k-p/w midfielder this month.