Hatem Ben Arfa has reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle after the Magpies were knocked out of the Europa League at the quarter final stage on Thursday. The French winger has consistently said he is happy at Newcastle, and he told the Evening Chronicle: "I want to stay here.

"It is only journalists who talk about that. Me and my agent have not talked about that. I am focused on Newcastle and 100% Newcastle. I hope to stay here.

"We have a great team. I'd love to play for this team in Europe again. We won't next season but after that we can maybe go again.

"Everything is here. It is a great club. We have a great squad, big ground and great fans."