Liverpool consider move for Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa

Posted Wednesday, February 06, 2013 by theguardian.com

Liverpool consider move for Newcastle forward Hatem Ben Arfa
Hatem Ben Arfa would consider a move away from Newcastle United but stayed put in January as he recovered from a hamstring injury.

Brendan Rodgers will consider a move for Hatem Ben Arfa this summer as the Liverpool manager looks to capitalise on the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future at Newcastle United and the prospect of Andy Carroll returning to St James' Park.

Rodgers is a firm admirer of the France international, who has made no secret of his desire to play for Paris Saint-Germain. Ben Arfa did not push for a move in the January transfer window, as he recovers from a hamstring injury, but Newcastle's resolve to keep the player is likely to be tested at the end of the season. The 25-year-old has a contract at Newcastle to the summer of 2015 and would command a sizeable fee.

Ben Arfa is older than all the signings Liverpool have made since Rodgers became manager and Newcastle's asking price could prove an obstacle, but their interest in re-signing Carroll could work to the Anfield club's advantage and an exchange deal.

West Ham United have an option to buy Carroll at the end of his season-long loan but Liverpool dropped their demand for a guaranteed move to remove the £35m striker from their wage bill in August.