Category Archives: Newcastle

Done Deal: Newcastle Favourite Joins OGC Nice

Newcastle United favourite Hatem Ben Arfa has joined OGC Nice, having seen his contract with the north east club cancelled in recent days, as reported by Nice’s official Twitter account.

Ben Arfa was always likely to leave Newcastle in the January transfer window, having fallen out with now former manager Alan Pardew last season.

As a result, Ben Arfa moved to Hull City on loan during the summer, but opportunities at the Humberside club were limited, and Steve Bruce seemingly found him difficult to manage.

Ben Arfa has therefore returned to France, the country where he originally made his name as a footballer.

This is a blow to Newcastle fans, who saw Ben Arfa as the sort of talismanic talent who could change a game in an instant.

Despite Pardew’s departure, it seemed to be the case that there would be no place for him going forward, and that has been confirmed by his free transfer to Nice.

Arsenal Fall Behind In Chase For £20m Newcastle Midfield Dynamo – report

Arsenal have been dealt a hammerblow in their chase to sign Newcastle United midfielder Moussa Sissoko, with Paris Saint Germain looking to snap him up.

A report from the Sunday People suggests that the Ligue 1 side might have the advantage over Arsenal, in that they are willing to provide Newcastle with an immediate and direct replacement.

Newcastle fans would be delighted to hear that the player on the table for them is none other than former hero Yohan Cabaye.

Cabaye moved to PSG last January for a huge fee, but has failed to settle since his return to France, and is certainly not as integral as he was at St. James’ Park.

Newcastle value Sissoko at £20 million, and while Arsenal are thought to be keen on him as the man to lead their midfield, they could fall behind in the race if Cabaye is on the table.

Securing his return would make sense for Mike Ashley, who could face revolt from the passionate Toon Army if he sanctions the sale of Sissoko without improving the side.

Newcastle Boss Desperate To Bring Goals To Club In January

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that a striker is top of his club’s shopping list going into the January transfer window.

Despite leading his side to improved displays in recent weeks, Pardew saw the north east side lose their derby match against Sunderland in the last few minutes at the weekend.

It was their third defeat in a row, a worrying trend given the extent to which Newcastle fans turned on the manager earlier this season.

The future is not any easier for Pardew, and he now faces a Boxing Day trip to Old Trafford in his attempt to arrest Newcastle’s slump in the league.

On the plus side, they won there last season shortly before the new year.

Pardew has admitted that a new striker is now a priority in January.

However, there are plus sides, with Siem De Jong running again after a thigh operation and Ayoze Perez’s development impressing Pardew.

“We have been absolutely reliant on him in a lot of ways,” he said.

“If you’d told me at the start of the season he’d be in this position, I’d have thought it unlikely but his physical improvement has been immense.

“He was already technically accomplished but whereas he was knocked off the ball far too easily when he first arrived, he’s now holding his own in tight areas.

“Ayoze is not a natural goalscorer, more a natural forward, a bit like Wayne Rooney in that he can mix it in midfield and score goals.

“He did a couple of tricks against Sunderland that I don’t think anyone else on the pitch could have produced.

“We are still a striker light.

“Even when Siem De Jong returns, we’ll need another one.

“Papiss, even taking away the flu he’s been suffering from, he’s still not right.

“He’s not 100 per cent from his knee problem last season and you can see that in the way he plays.

“That’s something we need to look at.”