NEWCASTLE UNITED have agreed a loan deal for Nabil Bentaleb, with the Schalke midfielder expected to complete his switch to Tyneside later today.

Bentaleb has travelled to Newcastle's training ground to complete the formalities of his move from the Bundesliga, with Magpies officials having agreed the terms of a loan agreement with their counterparts at Schalke over the weekend.

The Algeria international made his name with Tottenham after graduating through the North London club's academy to make his professional debut in 2013.

He made 66 senior appearances for Spurs, before joining Schalke on a permanent basis in a £17m deal in 2017 after a successful loan spell with the German side.

He was dropped to Schalke's reserves last year after a disciplinary issue, and is looking to kickstart his career in the Premier League.

Crystal Palace also discussed a possible loan deal with the 25-year-old, but Newcastle have won the battle to secure Bentaleb's services. His transfer should be confirmed later today, bolstering Steve Bruce's midfield options.

Newcastle are also close to finalising a loan deal for Valentino Lazaro, with the Austrian's representatives having attended Saturday's 1-0 win over Chelsea.

Lazaro, who can play as an orthodox right-back, a right wing-back or a wide midfielder, should complete a season-long loan from Inter Milan in the next couple of days.