Schalke are urging to Newcastle United to buy on-loan midfielder Nabil Bentaleb.

Bentaleb joined the Magpies on loan until the end of the season in the winter transfer window and he made six appearances for the club before the campaign was halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

With the season set to go into July, Bentaleb will require an agreement between Schalke and Newcastle to extend the deal.

And the Evening Chronicle says the German club are keen for Bentaleb to remain at St James' Park as they look to cut costs.

The report adds that Schalke are also hopeful Newcastle will take up the option to sign the midfielder on a permanent deal for £8.5million.