Hatem Ben Arfa may join Newcastle United

Jul 27 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

HATEM Ben Arfa's agent has claimed that Newcastle United do have an interest in the Marseille midfielder.

Chris Hughton has offered a series of denials about well-sourced stories in the French and Italian sports newspapers that United are the leading English contender for Ben Arfa’s signature, but that hasn’t doused any of the speculation.

Fresh stories appeared on the Continent yesterday claiming United were the most serious suitors for his services, despite interest from Werder Bremen, Parma, Milan and a host of French clubs.

The respected L’Equipe claimed United wanted the player, valued at around 8million, on a season-long loan but were prepared to pay his wages in full while at St James’ Park. Reports in Italy suggested Milan were prepared to launch a counter offer for a supremely talented player, but who has not been able to fulfil his potential at the Stade Velodrome.

Newcastle boss Hughton was categoric in his assertion that there had been no contact between the two clubs after his side’s weekend defeat at Norwich, stating that paper talk rather than firm interest from United brought it to his attention.

But he is on record as professing some admiration for the talented but troubled left-sided midfielder (left); if United could find a way to recruit him within their tight budget, Hughton would take him.

Ben Arfa’s agent Frederic Guerra says that there is interest from United, along with a host of other European sides.

“Newcastle are not the only club interested in him, there are also three German clubs and other French clubs,” he said. “We have seen Milan four times; in the last conversation they said to me that the player was of interest, but they can’t do the business at this time. As an agent, I couldn’t ask the reason. The player doesn’t have a problem with clubs to choose from and hasn’t got a problem with Marseille letting him go.”