Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has confirmed he wants to make Hatem Ben Arfa's loan move permanent.

13784 - Alan Pardew wants permanent Ben Arfa deal

Ben Arfa joined Newcastle on loan from Marseille this summer while Chris Hughton was still in charge at St James' Park, but he suffered a double leg fracture against Manchester City just four games after his arrival.

Pardew has therefore yet to see the player in action but, with an agreement for a permanent move having been built into the loan deal, he is looking to retain the player long-term.

"He is a great player and Newcastle fans would love to see him at the club," he said. "All I would say on that is I am working towards seeing if that is possible."

It is said Ben Arfa - expected to return to action in February - will cost around £5.1 million, and it is understood he has flown to Newcastle to finalise the deal.