Chris Hughton says it is "unlikely" Olympique Marseille midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa will be arriving at St James's Park, either on loan or in a permanent move.

Hughton has shored up Newcastle United's defensive options with the signings of Sol Campbell and James Perch ... after he was interested in St-Étienne defender Yohan Benalouane.

Chris Hughton: "With Sol coming in, the focus is unlikely to be on a central defender now.

"There's nothing in Benalouane.

"Arfa's a name that has come up more than anybody recently. It's a name we know, but it's unlikely.

"Chelsea full-back Patrick van Aanholt, did really well for us, but we're not looking into that one."