Report: Newcastle agree £10m option as Nabil Bentaleb loan nears

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Newcastle United have agreed an option that will allow the Magpies to sign Nabil Bentaleb permanently for £10 million in the summer, according to a report from the Northern Echo.

Bentaleb is in line to become the first addition to Steve Bruce’s first-team squad this month.

The Northern Echo reports that the Schalke midfielder is set to complete his loan move to St James’ Park on Tuesday.

And it appears that the Magpies are prepared in case the loan turns out to be more inspired than most would have imagined.

The Northern Echo reports that the two clubs have reached an agreement that will allow Newcastle to make his switch permanent for the eight-figure fee in the summer.

TBR View – Given Bentaleb’s potential, option could be masterstroke

Bentaleb is currently looking set to be pigeonholed amongst those players who never realise their frightening potential.

He has shown glimpses during his career. But the 25-year-old is running out of time to prove that he will live up to early expectations.

Bentaleb has not made an appearance for Schalke’s first-team this season. So a loan move is a gamble from Newcastle. And some fans will certainly have their doubts about this deal.

But it could prove to be a real masterstroke.

If Bruce can get the best out of the Algeria international, spending £10 million to sign him permanently in the summer will become a no-brainer.

That could be looked back upon as a steal if he produces some of his best football on Tyneside.