Alan Pardew has insisted that Hatem Ben Arfa's future is at Newcastle despite rumours claiming he is unsettled at the club.

It has been suggested that Ben Arfa is unhappy after failing to gain a first-team place at St James' Park.

However, Pardew has dismissed any idea that the French midfielder is set for a move away from the North East.

"I know there have been suggestions on Twitter and other rumours that he isn't happy here, but it's just not true. He's fine," said the Newcastle manager.

"He knows he's not at his best yet and, looking at the stats in the games he has played, I would expect better from him because he is such a good player. He will find his best form before the end of the season but how quickly that will be I don't know.

"I'll use him as I see fit. I didn't use him on Saturday because I didn't think the situation was right. It's as simple as that."

Ben Arfa joined Newcastle on a permanent deal in January.