Magpies back in for Ben Arfa

Newcastle are closing in on the signing of Marseille ace Hatem Ben Arfa, according to the French club.

A move was mooted earlier this month, but the deal stalled over the price of the option to buy Ben Arfa if he impressed during his loan spell.

Ben Arfa is keen to leave Marseille and refused to train with the club to try and force a move away from Stade Velodrome.

Werder Bremen were thought to be favourites for the Frenchman's signature, but now Newcastle have jumped back to the head of the queue for the 23-year-old.

Finish

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed they have agreed a deal with Newcastle for Ben Arfa with the winger due to fly in for talks this weekend.

"He will travel to Newcastle tomorrow,"said Dassier."They have offered to raise the price for the option-to-buy if Hatem plays 25 matches and also pay the five per cent of the cost to Fifa.

"We will respond. After that it's up to Hatem to agree a deal.

"We have to finish this story as soon as possible."

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