FC Schalke 04 have signed Tottenham Hotspur FC midfielder Nabil Bentaleb on a season-long loan after a six-week long chase to secure his signature.

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"I am looking forward to the challenge," enthused the 21-year-old, who already boasts 19 caps for Algeria. "I first heard about Schalke's interest six weeks ago and hoped since that a transfer would be possible. My visit last week reinforced that desire. I am very happy and want to help the team achieve its goals for the season."

Bentaleb's arrival is a timely boost for coach Markus Weinzierl's team, who lost versatile midfielder Coke to injury days after his arrival from Sevilla FC.

"We are very pleased that Bentaleb chose us because we have been working on this transfer for six weeks," said Royal Blues sporting director Christian Heidel. "He is an aggressive, combative midfielder who increases the options in our squad."

Schalke kick off their Bundesliga campaign on 27 August at Eintracht Frankfurt.