Newcastle United among Ben Arfa suitors

Jul 28 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

MARSEILLE sporting director Jose Anigo reckons a move to Newcastle United may suit want-away midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.

Despite a string of denials by United boss Chris Hughton, Anigo has confirmed that Newcastle are “one of four or five clubs” in talks with Marseille about the talented France under-21 international.

That follows a similar assertion by the player’s agent on Monday and is the strongest indication yet that United do have an interest in the 23-year-old left-sided midfielder – who is valued at around £8million.

Ben Arfa is also being tracked by Werder Bremen, Milan and Parma and reports in France suggest that he is looking to play Champions League football next season. But despite this, Newcastle do not appear to have given up hope of landing a player who would offer some invention from the centre as well as competition on the flanks.

Asked whether Ben Arfa would be leaving for pastures new, Anigo accepted that he may be – and said a move abroad may be the best bet for a player who has failed to fulfil his potential at the Stade Velodrome.

“It is possible,” he said. “He needs to play and perhaps a move to a foreign championship will enable him to stop suffering from the comparisons that have damaged his progression.

“He needs a club, a coach and an environment which are appropriate to him. There is not only Newcastle (who are interested) – they are one of four of five who we are in discussion with. There are also German clubs.

“I think we have done all we can with him. He must choose the right club – he has talent and he must go somewhere where he can express it. With us he has had good and bad moments.”