Newcastle offer Ben Arfa as bait

Cape Town - As Newcastle step up their chase for a Lyon striker, the club have included French play-maker Hatem Ben Arfa on loan as the club attempt to try push through the deal. 

According to the Daily Mail, out of favour midfielder Ben Arfa is being used to tempt Lyon into selling Alexandre Lacazette.

Lacazette, a 23-year-old striker, is seen as the last piece of Alan Pardew's transfer puzzle and the club are trying to ship Ben Arfa out on loan at the same time.

Ben Arfa would reportedly jump at the chance to return to France after failing out with Toon boss Pardew. Lacazette is known to want Champions League soccer this season but may be tempted to use Newcastle as a step in that direction.

Newcastle have battled to reach an agreement with Lyon over the transfer but are offering to pay 50% of Ben Arfa's wages plus £15 million for Lacazette.

Lacazette had a prolific season in Ligue 1 last season where he scored a goal every other game and also contributed with seven assists.