What the Hull? Newcastle star linked to Premier League move

Steve Bruce is reportedly set to meet with Newcastle United midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa to discuss a last-gasp switch to fellow north east club Hull City.

The Tigers have emerged as shock contenders to recruit the France international in the last few hours after Birmingham City failed in a bid to convince the winger to take a step down to the Championship.

Lyon were also thought to be open to a move for the former Ligue 1 star but it now appears that Hull are leading the race to recruit the ex-Marseille man.

Ben Arfa has previously spoken of his desire to remain at Newcastle and force his way back into Alan Pardew’s plans but there appears to be no way back for the attacking midfielder, with the Magpies boss stripping the player of his number and making him train with the reserves.

It follows reports of a potential dressing room bust-up between Pardew and the player with the pair rumoured to have come to blows.

The ongoing situation could be enough to convince Ben Arfa to take up any offer from Bruce, with Scott Wilson from the Northern Echo reporting that the pair are due to meet in the coming hours.

Hatem Ben Arfa is heading on Road to Hull as Steve Bruce tries to seal a deal for the #NUFC winger. Doubt that’ll go down well on Tyneside.

— Scott Wilson (@Scottwilsonecho) September 1, 2014

No transfer fee has yet to be mentioned by either party, though the Frenchman could opt to move to the KC Stadium on a season-long loan deal with a view to earning a permanent switch to a bigger Premier League outfit.

Ben Arfa is thought to be keen on moving to Liverpool and was, at one time, linked with a move to Anfield. The Merseysiders ultimately opted against a move for the player, but that situation could change should Ben Arfa help Hull thrive in the Premier League this term.

Any move to the Tigers could prompt anger among Newcastle fans though, with Hull regarded as something of a local rival, second only to Sunderland, in the Premier League.

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