Sky Sports News understands that Hatem Ben Arfa will seal a permanent move to Newcastle from Marseille.
Newcastle set to retain France international playmaker
Sky Sports News understands that Hatem Ben Arfa will seal a permanent move to Newcastle United from Marseille.
The France international is currently on a season-long loan at St James' Park, although a double leg fracture sustained against Manchester City has curtailed his appearances.
The 23-year-old looked an exciting talent in his four Premier League appearances having found the back of the net with a stunning strike in a 1-0 win at Everton.
Manager Alan Pardew recently confirmed the club were looking to push through a deal after negotiating a fee for his services when thrashing out the terms of his loan switch.
Ban Arfa has been recovering from his injury back home in France, but is understood to have travelled to Tyneside in order to facilitate a permanent move to the North East.
He will become the club's first signing since the transfer window reopened, although Pardew has already confirmed he is looking to bolster his attacking options.
