And as the Spurs boss tried to sign Yohan Cabaye in the summer, the rumour mill is already starting.
It is alleged that both Frenchmen have found life difficult on Tyneside and are looking for pastures new.
Cabaye has had a difficult season and has been well short of showing his true ability in a black and white shirt; and many wonder if Ben Arfa actually WANTS to get on the pitch.
He has had his injury problems, but we have had two months when he claims he is ready for a first team start, but ends up on the bench.
He has had successive hamstring injuries and limited his time on the pitch, but rumours around St James' Park suggest he has had a fall-out with Alan Pardew.
Newcastle currently sit in 17th place, just a handful of points above the drop zone, whereas Spurs are after a top three finish.
Despite Pardew's views that Europe has been the reason for United's poor form in the Premiership, the top players crave for Champions League football.
Although both Ben Arfa and Cabaye have an option of potential moves to north London, Paris Saint Germain could also be tempting for the French players.