Newcastle United FC

• Nickname:
• Founded:1892
• Manager:Alan Pardew

• Ground:
• Capacity:NaN

Target Ben Arfa in strike threat

15 Aug 2010 - 15:28:00

Click To Enlarge

Transfer target Hatem Ben Arfa is ready to go on strike in a bid to push through a move to Newcastle United.

The 23-year-old France international has vowed not to play for current club Marseille again in the hope of joining the Magpies before the transfer window closes at the end of the month.

He told L'Equipe: "I will not return to La Commanderie (the French club's training ground).

"It's over. I am ready to not play this season. I have my pride, my dignity. I am not a stop-gap.

"Over time, people will see that I was right. Just because we are paid does not mean we are slaves."

Ben Arfa emerged as a Newcastle target earlier in the summer but Marseille are determined to keep hold of the attacking midfielder.