Jan Kirchhoff looking forward to Schalke 04 loan

Jan Kirchhoff has claimed that he is 'looking forward' to playing regular football after joining Schalke 04 on loan from Bayern Munich.

The 23-year-old joined Bayern from Mainz in the summer, but has made just seven substitute appearances in the Bundesliga this season.

The versatile defender will now spend the next 18 months on loan at Schalke, while it is believed that a permanent move is a possibility.

"The situation in Munich was not easy for me," he told Schalke's official website.

"I learned a lot in half a year but just did not play too much. I had reached a point where I said that I was no longer satisfied.

"I am very happy that the transfer worked. I am very grateful and look forward to a new challenge at a great club."

A number of European clubs had also been believed to be monitoring proceedings.