Manchester City loan Matija Nastasic to Schalke

Schalke have announced the loan signing of Matija Nastasic from Manchester City. Nastasic was deemed surplus to requirements by the City manager, Manuel Pellegrini, earlier this season.

The centre-back has only played once this term – in the Community Shield defeat to Arsenal – and he has been allowed to leave for the Bundesliga side, who are managed by the former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo.

“Schalke have now agreed with Manchester City the final details of a loan for Matija Nastasic subject to a medical,” a statement on Schalke’s website said.

Schalke confirmed Nastasic will remain on loan with them until the end of the season and they also revealed “a purchase option” has been agreed with City for the 21-year-old.

Nastasic joined City from Fiorentina in 2012 and became a regular under former manager Roberto Mancini.

The Serbian made only 11 league starts under Pellegrini last season and he has not turned out for the Premier League champions since 10 August.