Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic close to Schalke 04 move

Manchester City defender Matija Nastasic is close to completing a move to German side Schalke 04, according to the German side's general manager Horst Heldt.

Nastasic moved to the Etihad in 2012 and became a regular starter under former manager Roberto Mancini, but he has struggled for game time under current boss Manuel Pellegrini, featuring just once this season.

The Serbian has been linked with a move away from the club for several months, and it now appears that he will sign with Schalke on a loan deal until the end of the season, with a view to a permanent move in the summer.

Heldt told reporters: "We are negotiating back and forth, that's how it goes. You get closer and closer and in this case we are no longer far apart. I am optimistic we will get this done in the coming days."

The 21-year-old made 13 league appearances last season as City won the Premier League.