A shock return to Newcastle United could be on for Hatem Ben Arfa.

Ben Arfa's loan with Hull City will be ripped up in January and Toon manager Alan Pardew has stated he's not wanted.

However, Foot Mercato says while talks have opened about a release from his contract, Ben Arfa has been informed he is expected back on Tyneside by January 2 to train with the first team squad.

With Pardew now in talks with Crystal Palace, it raises the possibility of a clean slate for Ben Arfa and a return to the Magpies.

In the meantime, during talks over his deal, the player's camp has informed Newcastle they have received enquiries from Montpellier, AS Monaco, Hamburg, Lille, Bordeaux and Nice.