Sky Sports News understands that Newcastle are close to bringing in Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa.
Hughton hoping to land French winger on season-long loan
Sky Sports News understands that Newcastle are close to bringing in Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa on a season-long loan.
The Magpies have been strongly linked with the French winger all summer, with Chris Hughton keen to bolster his attacking arsenal.
It is felt that the squad needs added creativity if they are to hold their own back among England's elite.
Ben Arfa would certainly fall into that category, even if he has no prior experience of life in the Premier League.
He has been billed as one of Europe's most exciting prospects ever since he burst onto the scene at Lyon in 2004.
Match-winner
Such lofty expectations have weighted heavy at times, but he remains a potential match-winner on his day and has seven full caps with France to his name.
He has hinted that he is ready to take on a new challenge, after two turbulent years with Marseille, and has admitted to being a fan of English football.
Newcastle are hoping that all of those factors will work in their favour, as they look to put an agreement in place prior to the big kick-off.
It is believed that Ben Arfa will move to St James' Park on a year-long loan, which will cost Newcastle around £1million, with the option for the deal to be made permanent next summer.
The Magpies are due to get their 2010/11 campaign under way against Manchester United on 16th August, a fixture which will see the return of Monday Night Football to
Sky Sports.
