Nice close on Hatem Ben Arfa deal?

Nice are reportedly close to signing former Hull City midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa on a free transfer.

The ex-Newcastle United player had been set to move to the French Riviera in January before FIFA stepped in to block a transfer.

However, L'Equipe claims that Nice have returned with another offer for the 28-year-old star.

While it is thought that no deal has been signed, the club is expected to sign Ben Arfa at the end of the month.

Ben Arfa joined Newcastle in 2010, but his career in England ended on a sour note when he walked out on a loan stint with Hull earlier this season.