Alan Pardew considers dropping Hatem Ben Arfa?

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew could reportedly axe Hatem Ben Arfa from next Saturday's trip to Stoke City.

The pair are believed to have exchanged "harsh words" in the dressing room following the 4-0 home defeat to Manchester United at the weekend.

In that wake of that dispute, Pardew may now drop the 27-year-old from his squad altogether, according to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Ben Arfa, who joined the Magpies from Marseille in 2010, has made just 15 starts in all competitions this season.