'Strange one, that': Newcastle United fans react as Magpies close in on January breakthrough

Newcastle United are close to sealing their first January signing with Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb set to join on a loan deal until the end of the season.

By Jordan Cronin

Published 20th Jan 2020, 13:27 BST- 1 min read

Updated 20th Jan 2020, 14:48 BST

Bentaleb, formerly of Tottenham Hotspur, is undergoing his medical on Tyneside ahead a loan move from the German club for the remainder of the campaign.

The arrival of the Algerian is expected to be announced later this afternoon - according to The Times - and Magpies fans have already given their views on their new arrival.

@NickHeg1992: Don’t get why we’ve gone for him, 4-5 CM’s already. Crying out for a striker (who can score).

Schalke's Algerian midfielder Nabil Bentaleb attends a press conference at the Dragao stadium in Porto on November 27, 2018 on the eve of the UEFA Champions League group D football match between Porto and Schalke 04. (Photo by FRANCISCO LEONG / AFP) (Photo credit should read FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP via Getty Images)

@cheetz88: Still not the striker that we badly require to score the goals to save us from relegation

@Stephen_Howlett: Strange one that #nufc

@GarryCluskey: He's been pulled up for bad work rate and other disciplinary issues in the past, so hopefully he's past that if he's signed.

@Rich1982Miller: Always liked the look of him. Very happy with this signing if we get the deal done

@richylamb: Another centre midfielder, brilliant just what we need.

@NeilPenny1: Can he play left back?!

@AngrycatJ: Massively improved since he played for Tottenham. Really good signing if it happens.

@MichaelGallon: Bentaleb a typing MA signing - someone who once showed promise, has regressed and is now worth a punt as it could lead to a profit.

@NUFClove82: Remember when it was reported ASM had an attitude problem too? #nufc #bentaleb