Inter Milan are reportedly the favourites to sign Newcastle United's attacking midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa during the summer.

It was recently speculated that manager Alan Pardew was prepared to let the French international depart St James' Park, which initially alerted Inter during last month's January transfer window.

No bid was made then, but officials from the Serie A club are keen to start negotiations for the 26-year-old, according to Chronicle Live.

The story first appeared on Firstdirectnews, which is run by Newcastle owner Mike Ashley's company Sports Direct.

As a result, some supporters have suggested that Ashley is using the site to drum up interest in Newcastle players.