Source: Daily_Mail
Hatem Ben Arfa signs deal to stay at Newcastle until 2015
Staying on Tyneside: Ben Arfa[LNB]Newcastle have signed Hatem Ben Arfa for £6million and handed him a four-and-a-half year deal.[LNB]The Marseille winger has been out with a broken leg since October, and has only played four games for Newcastle, but the Tyneside club have moved quickly in the transfer window to secure the France international.[LNB]Ben Arfa, who was injured in a challenge from Manchester City's Nigel De Jong, was one of Chris Hughton's final summer signings.[LNB]A controversial figure, Ben Arfa went on strike at Marseille to secure a loan move to St James' Park.[LNB]He said: 'I am absolutely delighted to be signing for NewcastleUnited on a permanent basis. [LNB]'During my short time at the club, Ithoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too.This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future tothem.[LNB]'I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can and am reallylooking forward to getting back to St James' Park, seeing the ladsagain and of course working with Alan Pardew and his staff. [LNB]'During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of supportfrom fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on thepitch later this season.'[LNB]Ben Arfa came through France's famous Clairefontaine Academy andspent four years with Lyon before joining Marseille for just over£9million in 2008. [LNB]He represented France at youth level, Under 21s and made his senior international debut in October 2007. [LNB] Unlucky break: Ben Arfa is carried off on a stretcher against Manchester City[LNB]Delighted Toon manager Alan Pardew said: 'When I came to the club last month, one ofmy priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent deal. The last thing Iwanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended so we're reallypleased to have agreed that deal. [LNB]'He's obviously a top player and he's shown that in France, atinternational level and in his short time here at Newcastle. I'mdelighted to secure Hatem as my first signing and once he's back fit, Ihave no doubt he'll confirm just what a superb player he is.' [LNB]Newcastle managing director Derek Llambias added: 'Bringing Hatem onloan earlier in the season was quite a coup, but to sign himpermanently on a long-term deal is even better.[LNB] 'Alan Pardew made it clear that he wanted Hatem here beyond hisloan spell so we have backed him and made that happen. Hatem is exactlythe type of player that we want here; a young international classplayer with his best years ahead of him. And now those years will bespent at St James' Park.' [LNB]Newcastle have also offered misfit Xisco to Real Zaragoza and Racing Santander on loan. The striker was signed for £5.7m in September 2008 but has made just two sub appearances this season.[LNB] [LNB] Club-by-club guide to every Premier League transfer deal during JanuaryWatch all the Premier League goals every week on our brilliant video playerTaylor snubs the chance to become Pardew's No 2 at NewcastleNewcastle eye loan move for Man City misfit Bridge and £4m bid for KeanePardew: Beckham is out of Toon's league but Keane and Bentley aren'tNEWCASTLE UNITED FC
