Liverpool Make Late Bid For WInger Ben Arfa

Manchester United and Liverpool are being linked with a late bid for Marseille firebrand Hatem Ben Arfa.

The Marseille playmaker has been offered a deal by Werder Bremen and a "top Premier League club" - which his agent Michel Ouazine indicated was not Newcastle United.

The Daily Mail says Ouazine declared the identity of the English team making a move would be a 'big surprise', with reports in France suggesting either Liverpool or Manchester United would be the ones making the bid.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to be a long-term admirer of the 23-year-old, who has also been offered to Everton and other Premier League teams this summer.

"Negotiations are continuing," said Ouazine. "We are finalising the contract."

Ben Arfa comes with issues. He is currently refusing to play for Marseille in a bid to force a move and is training alone away from his employers.