Source: Daily_Mail
Newcastle push ahead with deal for Hatem Ben Arfa
Impressed: Hatem Ben Arfa made an instant impact[LNB]Just four appearances have convinced Newcastle to complete a permanent move for injured midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.[LNB]The France international made an immediate impact after joining on a season-long loan from Marseille in the summer, but broke a leg just seven minutes into the 2-1 defeat by Manchester City in October.[LNB]It is believed that Newcastle had an agreement to automatically sign Ben Arfa for about £3.5million if he played 25 games during the loan, but reports in France and on Tyneside say they will push ahead with the deal regardless when the transfer window opens next week.[LNB]There are fears that if they don't act quickly, Liverpool could snatch him from their clutches. New Anfield director of football strategy Damien Comolli is said to be a huge admirer of the 23-year-old.[LNB]Ben Arfa is understood to have travelled to Tyneside to meet new manager Alan Pardew, having initially been brought to the club by Chris Hughton.[LNB]Ben Arfa, who can play on the left wing or centrally, has further impressed Newcastle in his determination to return quickly from injury. It was feared the broken leg could rule him out for the season, but now he is on track for a February return.[LNB] Versatile: Ben Arfa can play on the wing and in the centre of midfield for the Toon[LNB]Once a target for Manchester United, Ben Arfa showed his potential with a brilliant strike to score from distance at Everton in just his second appearance.[LNB]Like the recent deals offered to Steven Taylor, Andy Carroll, Mike Williamson and Nile Ranger, as well as Pardew, Ben Arfa is expected to sign a five-and-a-half year contract.[LNB]A successful swoop would concentrate minds on the need to secure a place in the Barclays Premier League for next season after successive defeats by Manchester City and Tottenham over Christmas left the Magpies just three points clear of the drop zone.[LNB] Newcastle boss Pardew lines up Twitter ban after Enrique reveals injury four hours ahead of Spurs match Newcastle to offer Leon Best as bait to secure Leeds' midfielder Max Gradel NEWCASTLE FC
