Hatem Ben Arfa staying at Newcastle United

Hatem Ben Arfa has ended speculation linking him with a move away from Newcastle United.

The 26-year-old winger is believed to be a target for Liverpool, with rumours suggesting a possible swap deal involving Andy Carroll moving in the opposite direction.

However, he said that he has no intention of leaving St James' Park and wants to help the club get back into Europe.

"I want to stay here," the Frenchman told the Evening Chronicle. "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."

Ben Arfa signed a permanent deal with the Magpies after spending a season on loan from Marseille in 2011.