Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier reveals Hatem Ben Arfa will fly to Newcastle on Friday to complete loan move

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed that forward Hatem Ben Arfa is due to fly to Newcastle on Friday to complete a protracted loan move to Newcastle United.

The move was first touted earlier this month as Newcastle boss Chris Hughton is resigned to looking at loan deals due to a lack of transfer funds.

The 23-year-old has openly expressed a desire to make a move away from the French club, and has even refused to train with the club in order to force the Ligue 1 giants to let him go, telling L'Equipe that "just because [footballers] are paid does not mean we are slaves".

AC Milan, Werder Bremen and Liverpool were also rumoured to be interested in the player, but Newcastle's pursuit appears to have finally paid off and they will get their man before the weekend trip to face Wolves.

The deal for the 23-year-old would cost Newcastle more than £2 million but will come with an option of making the move permanent at the end of the season for £5m.