The agent of Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa, who is currently on loan at Hull City, has confirmed the player will have a new club in January.
The France international, 27, is not wanted by the Magpies, but several unnamed clubs in France, Italy, and Turkey are reportedly interested in the Frenchman.
“There are a lot of clubs interested in him, despite everything that has been said,” Ben Arfa’s agent Michel Ouzaine told 20minutes.fr. “He will have a new club in January, that won’t be a problem, don’t you worry.”
Although Hull manager Alex Bruce has denied reports of a rift between him and Ben Arfa, the boss did confirm the 27-year-old has played his last game for the Tigers.
“If he decides to stay in France that’s up to him, there’s only 10 days until the window opens and I think it’s fair to say he’s probably played his last game for Hull,” said Bruce.
“He didn’t deserve to be in the team on merit. It’s my job to pick a team which I think will win a game on the Saturday.
“All this reported bust-up and the rest of it… I think you [the media] want to make that story. What I’ve said to Ben Arfa is unfortunately I wasn’t going to accept a performance like I saw from him against Manchester United.
“It’s up to him to force himself back into the squad, that’s the way it is. Sometimes transfers don’t work, especially with a loan deal. Sometimes they can be the best thing for the player and the club.
“Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out. I wish him the best of luck. I hope he goes on to have the career his talent deserves, that’s all I’ve got to say on the matter.”
Ben Arfa, whose current contract at St James’ Park is set to expire at the end of the season, failed to score in eight English Premier League appearances for Hull this season.
Madrid play down Lucas Silva rumours
Real Madrid president Florentino Perez has played down reports linking the club with a January swoop for highly-rated Cruzeiro midfielder Lucas Silva.
The Brazil Under-21 international, who is valued at around €15 million, will have to wait until July if he wishes to sign for the European champions.
After all, Madrid–who have won a club-record 21 consecutive matches in all competitions–are in no need of reinforcements.
“Unless there are extraordinary circumstances, we will not bring reinforcements in the winter transfer market,” Perez told Cadena Ser. “Right now there are none.
“If Lucas Silva has to come, it will be in the summer under normal circumstances.”
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