Newcastle agree a deal for Hatem Ben Arfa

Aug 9 2010 by Mark Douglas, The Journal

NEWCASTLE United have agreed an 800,000 loan deal for Marseille’s France international Hatem Ben Arfa.

And Magpies representatives will meet the French champions today hoping to finalise a move in time for the player to play in the Premier League opener at Old Trafford.

Newcastle have been tracking the 23-year-old creative midfielder all summer and the loan deal took a significant step towards fruition over the weekend with a loan fee of around £700,000 agreed in principle.

Although the Magpies have been maintaining their silence on the deal for Ben Arfa, Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier confirmed after his side’s opening Ligue 1 game on Saturday night that negotiations between the two clubs were at an advanced stage.

Talking to a French TV station, he said there would be a further update on the Ben Arfa situation tomorrow or Wednesday with a move to Newcastle “probable”.

And Dassier revealed that more talks between the two clubs were planned for today.

The situation is complicated partly by Ben Arfa’s call-up for the France squad, which will make it more difficult for Newcastle to talk personal terms with the highly-promising left-footed midfielder.

It is understood that terms are yet to be agreed – and Ben Arfa’s agent Frederic Guerra told The Journal that negotiations were at such a state, it was “impossible” to comment.

Newcastle’s hand has been strengthened by the players apparent desire to come to the Premier League, despite interest from Hoffenheim, Benfica and a late bid by Russian side Rubin Kazan.

All were prepared to sign him on a permanent basis, but since it became clear that Roma were not to follow up their interest the player has had his heart set on a move to Newcastle.

Ben Arfa scored four goals in 34 games last year and made Marseille’s only goal after coming on as a substitute in their opening day defeat to Caen.