MARSEILLE winger Hatem Ben ‘Arfa Scargill’ is on the verge of sealing a move to Newcastle United, after refusing to train with his current teammates in a bid to force his exit through.
L’OM president Jean-Claude Dassier has confirmed that two clubs have agreed a suitable package for Ben Arfa, with the player now due to fly to the North East today to finalise a loan move (with an option to buy);
“He will travel to Newcastle [today]. 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.”
Liverpool and Werder Bremen were also said to be firmly in the hunt for the 23-year-old France international, but it is the Premier League newcomers that now look set to secure his signature.