Schalke confirm interest in Nastasic

Bundesliga outfit Schalke have moved to confirm reports linking them with a January move for Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic.

The Miners appear ready to offer the Serbian centre-back an escape route from Etihad, as they are currently in the market for defensive reinforcements.

While Schalke officials are working hard on the deal supposed to bring Nastasic to Veltins Arena, former Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has confirmed the Serbian is high on his wish list.

“Nastasic is an interesting player, very talented and experienced despite his young age, but he still belongs to Manchester City,” Di Matteo told reporters in Germany.

The two clubs are currently in advanced talks, but while the Citizens would prefer an outright sale, Schalke will attempt to sign the player on loan with an option to buy.

Matija Nastasic, who is also on the radar of several Serie A clubs, has surprisingly fallen out of favour at Etihad after enjoying a very good start to his career in England following a move from Fiorentina.