Steve Bruce makes decision on Schalke's Nabil Bentaleb as 'option to buy' price is revealed

According to the Chronicle's Lee Ryder, Steve Bruce is planning to sign Schalke loanee Nabil Bentaleb on a permanent deal when the transfer window reopens.

The report states that, despite just a handful of appearances and some rusty performances, Bruce believes he's yet to show what he's capable of at St James' Park and will prove to be a valuable asset in time.

As a result, he'll ask the club to activate our option to sign the Algerian international for £8.5m this summer.

The Chronicle claim that Werder Bremen are also interested in the former Tottenham talent, yet state that Bentaleb is happy on Tyneside and keen to complete a permanent move, providing wages can be agreed on.

Personally, I've been far from impressed by what I've seen so far, but it's clear he's been trying to build his fitness and match sharpness after several months in Schalke's reserves, so the best may be yet to come!

Would you be happy to sign him?