Newcastle now linked with bizarre move to re-sign former flop on the cheap in January

According to reports in Germany, Newcastle are considering a surprise January move for former loan flop Nabil Bentaleb.

The Algerian international had an underwhelming short spell on Tyneside, forcing Bruce to ditch any plans to pay £8.5m for his services at the end of the 2019/20 season.

It was revealed during the week that he has been forced to train by himself after a bust up with Schalke boss Manuel Baum. His contract is up at the end of the season and any plans to resurrect his career in Germany appear to have fell flat following a disastrous start to the campaign - with Schalke currently bottom of the Bundesliga.

Now, German outlet Sport 1 (via Sport Witness) reckon we might just look to re-sign the 26-year-old, with him banished at Schalke and set to be available on the cheap in January.

Considering his form (both last season and this), his recent issues off the pitch, his big wages and the fact Bruce signed Jeff Hendrick instead over the summer, we'll have to hope this is nothing but a rumour and way off the mark.

After all, any move for Bentaleb would be bizarre and unpopular with the Toon Army after some lazy and lacklustre displays in midfield last year.

An extra body through the door is always welcome but from what we saw of him last year, all he will provide is extra quantity, not quality...

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