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Inter Milan will be at the front of the queue to snap up Hatem Ben Arfa in the summer.

The Italian giants allowed their interest in the Frenchman to be known last month, but made no move to sign him.

However, they would have been encouraged by the news that Alan Pardew is ready to move on the 26-year-old whose career has stalled this season.

Newcastle would be looking to recoup all of the £7million paid out to Marseille three years ago, although that may be asking too much. However, if any club could afford such a fee then it’s Inter.

There is going to be a serious clear-out at St James’ Park once this campaign has ended.

Papiss Cisse, Sylvain Marveaux, Shola Ameobi and many fringe players have little chance of staying at the club beyond this summer.

And Newcastle have been left fearing Mathieu Debuchy would become the latest star to leave the club – after a website owned by Mike Ashley linked the player with Bayern Munich.

The story appeared yesterday on footballdirectnews – formerly known as sportdirectnews – which is run by Ashley’s company.

Supporters believe the site is being used as a tool to drum up interest in Newcastle players.

Debuchy has been one of the team’s most consistent performers this season.

After a difficult start, the French internationalist has hardly put a foot wrong and is one of the last players the fans would want to see leave.