Bentaleb set for permanent Schalke switch

Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Nabil Bentaleb could soon make a permanent move to Schalke, Bild has revealed.

The Algerian joined the Miners in the summer on loan with an option to buy for €19 million and he has largely impressed in Germany’s top flight.

Bentaleb scored 4 goals and produced as many assists in 19 Bundesliga outings and he is just one start away from triggering an automatic buy-out clause.

Schalke chiefs were having second thoughts whether the youngster was worth €19 million, but his excellent performance in the 2-0 triumph over high-flying Hertha seems to have reassured them.

As a result, Bentaleb is expected to keep his place in the starting line-up for the weekend’s fixture against FC Koln and thus join the club on permanent basis.

The Algeria international had previously showed a great deal of potential at White Hart Lane, but lost a place in the side after a succession of injuries.