HATEM BEN ARFA has signed a four-and-a-half year deal at Newcastle United after a fee in the region of around £5m was accepted by Marseille.

Ben Arfa, who is currently recovering from a broken leg sustained at Manchester City in October, arrived on loan in September and instantly impressed with his creative style.

Now, despite a change of manager at St James' Park, new boss Alan Pardew was keen to push through his first signing during this month's transfer window and he has done just that.

Ben Arfa said: "I am absolutely delighted to be signing for Newcastle United on a permanent basis. During my short time with the club I enjoyed playing for them and in front of the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to commit to them.

"I am getting back to fitness as quickly as I can and I am really looking forward to getting back to St James' Park, seeing and working with Alan Pardew and his staff."

Pardew, who also hopes to strike deals for a couple of loan players this month, had no hesitation in completing a full-time move - even if it cost him £5m of his transfer fund.

"One of my priorities was to secure Hatem on a permanent basis," said Pardew. "The last thing I wanted was for us to lose him when his loan ended at the the end of the season.

"He's obviously a top player and he's shown that in France, at international level and in his short time at Newcastle."