Newcastle United have confirmed on their official website that Nabil Schalke has joined the Tyneside club on loan until the end of the season, with a permanent deal on the cards in the summer.
The Algerian midfielder played for Tottenham from 2014 to 2017 and as such will be no stranger to Premier League football.
The 25-year-old Newcastle acquisition started well at Schalke but has faded away at the club in recent months.
The new Magpies signing was dropped from the squad for disciplinary reasons in March last year and has not featured for the German club since then.
Newcastle manager Steve Bruce claimed recently that the side is expected to make a big signing this transfer window and Bentaleb’s arrival will provide more competition for places in the centre of midfield.
Bruce is desperate for reinforcements with his side having endured an injury crisis for a large part of the season.
The St James’ Park club has struggled going forward this season with no striker scoring more than twice and record signing Joelinton having scored just once all season so far.
Despite his side’s attacking problems, Bruce hinted that his priorities may lay elsewhere and the big Newcastle signing may not necessarily be a striker.
Bentaleb impressed at times during his time at White Hart Lane but struggled for consistency and consequently failed to nail down a starting spot at Spurs.
Newcastle fought back from a two-goal deficit against Everton on Tuesday night, with centre-half Florian Lejeune spectacularly scoring twice in injury time to secure a 2-2 draw.
