The Magpies star’s current deal expires in June 2015.
Newcastle have opened contract talks with Hatem Ben Arfa in order to ward off interest from Premier League rivals Liverpool.
Ben Arfa’s current deal doesn’t expire until the end of next season but the Magpies are keen for the 26-year-old to pledge his long-term future to the club and are keen to start discussing an extension as soon as possible.
The Journal revealed that Newcastle first approached the French winger’s representatives in July, but were rebuffed as the player sought to concentrate on overcoming a troublesome hamstring injury and regaining full fitness – although they did stress that he was committed to the club.
Liverpool have been strongly linked with Ben Arfa in the past and Metro claim Reds boss Brendan Rodgers will make him a priority target when the transfer window reopens in January, while PSG are also understood to be keeping a close eye.
It has led to Newcastle urgently pushing forward their efforts to nail down his future at St James’ Park before Christmas, with owner Mike Ashley taking a personal interest, and reportedly offered the former Marseille and Lyon ace a new four-year deal on Monday.
Ben Arfa currently earns £40,000-a-week on Tyneside but Ashley is willing to make him one of the highest paid players at the club by sanctioning an bonus-ledl £80,000-a-week deal.
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