Manchester United and Everton were almost caught napping in their pursuit of Marseille winger Hatem Ben Arfa.

PSG made a cheeky enquiry for the Marseille winger, but were immediately knocked back by the £10million asking price.

However, after Ben Arfa was cut from Raymond Domenech's World Cup squad on Monday night, the decision may soon be out of L'OM's hands.

The 23-year-old is reportedly devastated by his omission, and could try to force through a move to a top European club in order to increase his chances with the national team, meaning United and Everton would go back to pole position.