Could this controversial player make a shock return to Newcastle United?

Exiled from his current club again, a former Newcastle United midfielder could be on the radar to return.

As we enter the final weeks ahead of the winter transfer window, Newcastle United are not expected to make any big-money moves in January. But, they will likely consider frugal additions that could help boost the squad.

One move that Newcastle is reportedly interested in is a surprising one. Exiled from Schalke for the second time in 12 months, Nabil Bentaleb is being targeted as a January signing by Steve Bruce & Co.

Bentaleb spent the second half of last season on loan with the Magpies after a falling out with Schalke. After he returned to start this season, he was banished from first-team training again by the German side stuck at the bottom of the table. Bentaleb contests that he has remained professional and is being wrongfully punished.

Now, the former Tottenham midfielder could find himself back in England. Newcastle and Fulham are both being linked with the 26-year-old. He is out of contract in June of 2021. He joined Schalke, originally on loan, from Spurs back in August of 2016.

During his time with the Magpies, he was not highly-lauded for his performances or consistency. Newcastle didn’t pick up their purchase option to secure him long-term, which indicates how they evaluated his form while wearing the black and white.

He is a versatile midfielder that can get forward and isn’t afraid of being physical defensively. If Newcastle decides to bring him back, he would add another experienced option to the central midfield. With Jeff Hendrick already underwhelming since a stellar debut, bringing Bentaleb back would definitely not be music to the ears for the Toon Army.