Marseille have claimed Hatem Ben Arfa is in advanced talks with Newcastle after the winger travelled to England today.

Marseille have confirmed Hatem Ben Arfa did not train with the squad yesterday amid rumours of a move to Newcastle, but insist the winger is not for sale.

JOE COLE wants to sort out his club future sooner rather than later after claiming an unhappy final season at Chelsea was down to “political rather than footballing reasons”.

Didier Deschamps and Marseille have ruled the former Chelsea midfielder out of the running to become the next manager of Liverpool.

Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier has revealed Liverpool have contacted him about Didier Deschamps, but he has told them they have no chance of tempting the Ligue 1 winning coach away from Stade Velodrome.