Ben Arfa set for deal talks

Newcastle star Hatem Ben Arfa will open talks over a new contract next week, according to reports in the North-East.

The Journal claims that the 26-year-old Frenchman has 'no interest' in a move away from St James' Park this summer, despite reported interest from Liverpool and French giants Monaco.

Newcastle have a new hierarchy in place following the appointment of director of football Joe Kinnear, and departure of Derek Llambias, with Kinnear reported to have recommended offering Ben Arfa a new five-year contract.

It is believed that Lee Charnley and finance director John Irving will step in on important issues like contract re-negotiations and transfer issues in the absence of Llambias, with talks over the deal starting next week.

Securing Ben Arfa's long-term future would be a popular move with Newcastle supporters, who welcomed the news that chief scout Graham Carr is to stay at the club after being reassured over his role under Kinnear.