Marseille have warned Newcastle United it would be a 'mistake' to hold talks with Hatem Ben Arfa
French champions insist there is no agreement with Newcastle
Marseille's sporting director Jose Anigo has warned Newcastle it would be a 'mistake' to hold talks with Hatem Ben Arfa without agreeing a fee.
Ben Arfa has missed training with Marseille for the past couple of days and is not in the French champions' squad for the game with Valenciennes on Saturday.
Reports have claimed that the France international has travelled to England to hold talks regarding a move to Newcastle as he seeks to leave Marseille.
However, the two clubs have yet to reach a deal and Anigo believes it would be wrong for the Magpies to discuss personal terms with the winger.
Big blunder
"If that is the case, the English team are making a mistake," Anigo told
L'Equipe regarding the rumours Ben Arfa is on Tyneside.
"It would be a big blunder to talk to the player while there is no agreement with us.
"Ben Arfa is a good boy with a strong character. I hope we will find a solution.
"We have to let him drain his anger. He reacts that way to express his discontent. We have to let him get cool again. But, if I can give him some advice, not going to training sessions is not the good solution."
Anigo also revealed that he understands Mamadou Niang's reasons for wanting to leave Marseille as the striker prepares to join Fenerbahce.
He added: "Mamadou has started to dry up at a club where he has spent five years. He has showed a desire to join a new club for two years.
"Coaches Eric Gerets and Didier Deschamps kept him, but this time his desire was too strong.
"He explained he wants to fulfil an important contract for him and his family. At least he has the merit of being honest."
