Schalke 04 are attempting to ensure that Nabil Bentaleb stays at Newcastle United until the end of the season, per Ruhr Nachrichten via Sport Witness.

The former Tottenham Hotspur midfielder has been on loan at the Magpies since January but has played just three times in the Premier League, in a draw with Norwich City and defeats against Arsenal and Crystal Palace.

Schalke, though, want Bentaleb to stay in England until the Premier League campaign ends.

The report states that it could convince the Magpies to make the deal permanent at the end of the season, given that they have the option to do so.

He has not been given the opportunity to really impress during his time at St James’ Park but, with nine games of the season remaining, Schalke clearly want to give the Algerian the chance to earn such a move.

GIVEMESPORT’S Harry Sherlock says…

Bentaleb is a good player but he is out of favour at Schalke.

He did not play once in the Bundesliga at the beginning of the season, and his best displays at the Magpies have come in the FA Cup, versus Oxford United, twice, and against West Bromwich Albion.

He has experience of the Premier League, making his debut in England for Spurs, and could add some talent to the Magpies’ squad from next season onwards.

He is valued at just £3.6 million by Transfermarkt and a deal at such a price could be something of a bargain for the Magpies.

It remains to be seen if Bentaleb can impress enough to justify such a deal but a loan extension would certainly make sense.