Newcastle Transfers: 6 Deals Pardew Could Complete Today

3. Getting Rid Of Ben Arfa

For some, the very suggestion that Newcastle should move attacking marvel Hatem Ben Arfa on is probably tantamount to treason, but as long as Alan Pardew continues at the club, having the Frenchman around is poisonous and undermining. Even if you disagree that Pardew should stay at the club - and the tide is increasingly turning - having a Man In The Iron Mask style captive at the club, offering fans the opportunity for a rebellious focal point (hence the "Hope" banner at SJP against Crystal Palace), is not a good idea. There is now just the small matter of convincing the player to leave, and he's unlikely to want to take a step down to the likes of Birmingham City, who have expressed their interest in a loan deal. It would be far better to allow the player to move abroad and earn himself a big contract somewhere when his current Newcastle deal expires. Yes, there would be discontent among the fans, but allowing them the chance to sing Ben Arfa's name during games is merely undermining the manager's position.