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Newcastle United manager Chris Hughton is set to bolster his squad with the loan signing of French international Hatem Ben Arfa, according to Sky Sports News.

The Magpies will hold talks with Ben Arfa this week having agreed terms on a loan deal with Marseille. France Football report the loan fee to be in the region of £1 million, with an option to make the switch permanent at the end of the spell.

Ben Arfa’s future at Marseille has been unresolved all summer but it appears that Newcastle have jumped to the front of the queue in the quest for the player's signature.

The left winger has attracted the attention of a host of clubs, such as Milan, Genoa and Everton, after it emerged that the French champions were willing to let the player leave.

The signing will be a welcome addition to the Magpies squad on their return to the Premier League following their promotion last year from the Championship.

Ben Arfa will add technical quality to the midfield and Hughton will be hoping that the player can showcase his creativity in order to supply the likes of Andy Carroll and Peter Lovenkrands with the deliveries to score from as Newcastle look to re-establish themselves in the Premier League.

Hughton has already strengthened his squad with the purchases of Sol Campbell on a free transfer, defender James Perch from Nottingham Forest and Dan Gosling from Everton.



