Hatem Ben Arfa’s agent believes that Pardew’s time is numbered.
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The agent of Newcastle United outcast Hatem Ben Arfa has claimed that manager Alan Pardew could be sacked in “two months”, report the Telegraph, as relations between the Frenchman and his club continue to deteriorate.
The former Marseille winger has been frozen out by his manager, having been forced to train alone during pre-season and not having featured in any of the club’s preparatory friendlies, but remains keen to stay at St. James’ Park and retains a healthy relationship with the club’s supporters.
Further friction between player and club was created when Ben Arfa was fined for returning to training overweight, despite the player’s representative claiming that the excess weight was muscle rather than fat, whilst there was also a dispute over rent payments on his accommodation in the North East.
Galatasaray and AC Milan have both been linked with a move for the Frenchman, but with no firm offer on the table it looks as though the stand-off between Ben Arfa and Newcastle could continue for some time yet – with the player’s agent seemingly hoping that a change in management could lead to his client being welcomed back into the fold:
“Who knows how long Pardew will be at Newcastle. In two months, he may not be here. Hatem love this club, he is idolised by fans. Hatem remain professional and is working hard.”
It is is hard to pinpoint when Ben Arfa fell out of favour, having initially provided a creative spark to the Magpies during his early time at the club, but drifted out of the team during the course of last season.