Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew is hoping to convince star midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa to sign a new contract in order to stave off interest from Liverpool.

The Mirror has reported that Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers has already enquired about the availability of the midfielder, forcing Newcastle to react by offering him an improved wage and a new long-term deal.

Hatem Ben Arfa
Newcastle want to tie down Hatem Ben Arfa to a new long-term deal [Reuters]

Ben Arfa has been a huge success on Tyneside since initially joining the club on loan from Marseille in the summer of 2010. Last season he scored five league goals and played a crucial role in helping the club qualify for the Europa League.

A number of injuries have hampered his season and he has only been able to make 13 appearances in the league as Newcastle have struggled to replicate the success of last year.

With Ben Arfa close to making a return from injury, Newcastle have decided that they must try to secure his future as they to kick on after another important victory at the weekend.

The 25-year-old was reported to be a target for Liverpool as Rodgers is already said to be planning for the summer when he will look to further improve his squad.

However, despite Newcastle buying five players in the January transfer window, it seems that Pardew does not feel as though he can afford to lose Ben Arfa and will hope he puts pen-to-paper on a new deal.

Meanwhile Newcastle have allowed young midfielder Sammy Ameobi to join Championship neighbours Middlebrough for the remainder of the season.

Ameobi completed his move on Monday morning after having a medical at the training ground in Darlington and will now he looking to help the club push for a place in the play-offs.

The 20-year-old has made 14 appearances for Newcastle this season but could now make his Boro debut in the crunch clash against league leaders Cardiff at the weekend.