Newcastle have signed Schalke midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on loan until the end of the season, with an option to make the deal permanent.

The Algeria international also made 66 appearances for Spurs in two and a half seasons and has scored 19 goals in 97 games for Schalke.

"I'm very happy to come back to the Premier League," the 25-year-old said.

"The project really interested me. I wanted absolutely to come back to the Premier League. The coach had some trust in me and the club also - I saw that straight away - and I think it's the perfect move for me."

"The fact that he's played in the Premier League before helps, because we know that he can play and knows what the demands of the Premier League are," said Magpies boss Steve Bruce.

"He's gone from the Premier League to Schalke and played in the Champions League as well, so we're delighted to get him. It's a great signing."