Newcastle United have confirmed that they have terminated Hatem Ben Arfa's contract with immediate effect.
The French playmaker's future on Tyneside has been in doubt ever since his loan stint with Hull City, which was due to run for the entire season, was cancelled last month.
It was reported over the weekend that he had agreed a switch to Nice, but all parties were said to want a permanent move, rather than a loan.
As a result, to ensure that the deal can be concluded swiftly, the Magpies have decided to release the 27-year-old from his contract six months early.
Ben Arfa joined Newcastle in 2010 from Marseille and went on to make 86 appearances for the club, which yielded a return of 14 goals.
