Newcastle United among Ben Arfa suitors

Jul 28 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

Hughton’s denials over the last week have centred on whether the club is in contact with Marseille over Ben Arfa, rather than whether he sees the player as a decent fit for Newcastle.

He told The Journal last week that Ben Arfa is a “cracking player” and – unlike the forthright rebuttal offered when asked about the likes of Gary Hooper, Raul and Argentina defender Nicolas Otamendi – he left some room for manoeuvre in his response.

A big obstacle appears to be his valuation, which far outstrips the budget that he has been handed. A loan move is a possibility but with interest from so many clubs, Marseille fancy their chances of landing a sizeable fee for a player almost certain to win a call-up to Laurent Blanc’s France side next month.

Meanwhile, Spanish striker Xisco has spoken of his determination to save his Newcastle United career.

The £5.7million forward became an unwitting pawn in the battle between Dennis Wise and Kevin Keegan when he signed in 2008 and with the club in turmoil, it was hardly surprising that he struggled to make any kind of impact at St James’ Park.

Following a mixed loan spell at Racing Santander he is now back on Tyneside and, after the club failed to find a taker for his services in the summer, eager to make up for lost time.

“I’m happy to be back – I’ve got three years on my contract here and I’m looking forward to them,” he said.

“When I came to Newcastle United it was a big opportunity for me in my career.

“Last season I was on loan in Spain because I needed to go back home for a year because of what was happening here (in Newcastle).

“Now I’m back and happy. I’m very hopeful of staying at Newcastle and helping the team do whatever I can.”