According to Transfermarketweb, Newcastle United are exploring the possibility of re-signing Hatem Ben Arfa from Paris Saint-Germain.

Transfermarketweb says that the 30-year-old is surplus to requirements and could be available either during the January transfer window or next summer when his contract with the Ligue 1 giants is due to run out, having failed to make an impression at the Parc des Princes following a move from Nice in 2016.

The attacker was previously with the Magpies from 2010 until 2015, but it was certainly a mixed spell for the France international on Tyneside with injuries and lack of form coinciding with some impressive performances.

Rafa Benitez did strengthen his squad during the summer transfer window on the club's return to the Premier League, but he may want to add more quality to his squad in the New Year to ensure that the team isn't involved in a relegation battle come what May.

Here are three reasons Newcastle should bring Ben Arfa back to St James' Park…

Attacking spark

While he may have only scored four goals and provided seven assists in 32 appearances in all competitions for PSG – although the majority of those were from the substitutes' bench – the 30-year-old showed exactly what he is capable of from attacking point of view during his one season with Nice previously.

Primarily playing as an attacking midfielder but also sometimes as a striker, the Frenchman netted 18 times and registered six assists in 37 outings in total, which proves that he could be a hugely influential performer again at St James' Park.

Ayoze Perez upgrade

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It is clear to see that Perez is Rafa Benitez's current first-choice option in the number 10 position having started the club's opening eight Premier League matches of the season there, but Newcastle supporters are not convinced that he is as influential in that role as perhaps he should be and needs to be for the Magpies this term.

While the 24-year-old did get off the mark with a goal against Southampton, he only provided one goal and one assist in the opening eight top-flight games and Benitez may feel that Ben Arfa would prove to be an upgrade on the Spaniard.

Transfer fee

While he may be a Paris Saint-Germain player, the fact that Ben Arfa's contract with the Ligue 1 giants runs out next summer means that he should be available for a nominal fee during the January transfer window, or of course on a free next summer.

Newcastle may be on the verge of a takeover but they will still be looking to get good value for money when they bring new players to the club, and the chance to re-sign the 30-year-old for a potentially minimal amount could be an attractive proposition.

Do you agree, Magpies fans? Let us know below.