Newcastle seal Ben Arfa deal

Newcastle United have signed Hatem Ben Arfa to a permanent deal that will keep the injured midfielder at St James’ Park until 2015.

Ben Arfa joined the Magpies on loan from French club Marseille in September, and was one of former boss Chris Hughton’s best and brightest until he was cruelly cut down in a tackle by Manchester City midfielder Nigel de Jong in October.

The 23-year-old suffered a broken leg in the challenge and has taken no further part in Newcastle’s stuttering season, which has seen Hughton sacked in favour of Alan Pardew.

But with his fitness improving, Ben Arfa has demonstrated his commitment to the club by penning his name to a long-term deal, much to his delight.

“I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis,” Ben Arfa said in a statement on Newcastle’s official website.

“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 and am really looking forward to getting back to St James’ Park, seeing the lads again and of course working with Alan Pardew and his staff.”

“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 is thrilled to have retained the services of the flashy France international on a permanent basis, his first signing since taking over from Hughton.

“When I came to the club last month, one of my priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent deal,” the Newcastle boss said.

“The last thing I wanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended so we’re really pleased to have agreed that deal today.”

“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.”