Bremen set to scupper Newcastle's Ben Arfa bid

Newcastle have suffered a big blow with the news that Werder Bremen appear to have scuppered their move for Hatem Ben Arfa.

The Marseille playmaker has gone on strike in a bid to force his way out of the club, with Chris Hughton keen on taking him on loan for a season.

Hughton then proposed the option of making the move permanent after a loan spell, but Bremen have stepped in at the last minute to secure the 23-year-old.

The Bundesliga club are on the lookout for a replacement for Mesut Ozil, who has joined Real Madrid, and they have set their sights on Ben Arfa.

Marseille are willing to negotiate with Bremen because they are keen on taking him off their hands permanently, while Newcastle will only offer a loan deal for now.

It is a big blow for Hughton, whose side were swept away 3-0 by Manchester United in their Premier League opener on Monday, and now the Toon boss will have to consider other options.