Hatem Ben Arfa has become Alan Pardew's first signing as Newcastle United's manager after he converted his season-long loan into a four-and-a-half-year deal with the club.

Ben Arfa has been out of action since suffering a double leg fracture in a challenge with Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong in October, but showed enough in his four appearances for the club before that to persuade them of his ability. Newcastle have signed him after agreeing an undisclosed fee with Marseille.

Ben Arfa told the club's website: "I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis. During my short time at the club, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future to them.

"I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can … During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season."

Pardew said: "He's obviously a top player and he's shown that in France, at international level and in his short time here at Newcastle. I'm delighted to secure Hatem as my first signing and once he's back fit, I have no doubt he'll confirm just what a superb player he is."