Source: PA
Magpies no closer to Ben Arfa - Hughton
Newcastle manager Chris Hughton today insisted no direct contact had been made with Marseille regarding France winger Hatem Ben Arfa.
Reports have suggested the newly-promoted Barclays Premier League club have targeted the former Lyon man to help boost their bid for survival but Hughton is adamant no deal is in place.
He told Sky Sports News: "There isn't anything. We are aware of the speculation and that he has been linked to us but he is very much a Marseille player. There hasn't been any direct contact."
Hughton is hoping to make inroads in the transfer market before the window closes at the end of the month though.
"We have said all along that we need to boost the squad but it is difficult," he added.
"It's not only us that have found it difficult, it's finding the right players and the right values. We know how difficult this league will be and we need to be ready for it."
