NEWCASTLE’S 5-0 victory over West Ham last night – the third time the Magpies have hit five goals at St James’ Park this season – came on the same day they confirmed the arrival of Ben Arfa on a permanent basis.

Ben Arfa, not expected to return from a broken leg for a further couple of months, signed a contract until 2015 after Newcastle agreed to pay £5m to Marseille.

He said: “During my short time at the club, I thoroughly enjoyed playing for the team and for the supporters too. This is a great club and I am very happy to be committing my future to them.

“During my time out, I have been inundated with messages of support from fans and I want to repay them all with good performances on the pitch later this season.”

Managing director Derek Llambias added: Llambias added: “Bringing Hatem on loan earlier in the season was quite a coup, but to sign him permanently on a long-term deal is even better.

“Hatem is exactly the type of player that we want here; a young international class player with his best years ahead of him.”