Liverpool 'targeting' swoop for Newcastle midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa

Andy Carroll could be used as a make weight in the proposed deal

Hatem Ben Arfa (GETTY IMAGES)

Liverpool are planning another raid on Newcastle, this time to take Hatem Ben Arfa to Anfield, according to reports.

It's claimed that Brendan Rodgers has targeted the French midfielder as a player he wants to bring to Liverpool in the summer.

Reports suggest Andy Carroll, who Liverpool signed from Newcastle in a £35m deal two years ago, could be offered in the other direction to smooth the deal.

There has been speculation surrounding the future of Ben Arfa for some time, with the Frenchman admitting his interest in playing for Ligue 1 side Paris St Germain.

Injury problems meant he was not in a position to push for a move during the January transfer window, but Newcastle are understood to be planning for the player to request a move at the end of the season.

That uncertainty over his future is creating optimism at Anfield that the player could be tempted to become a Liverpool player rather than move back to his homeland.

Ben Arfa has a contract at Newcastle until 2015, and his impressive performances for the Magpies when not in the treatment room are certain to see Newcastle command a high fee.

West Ham, who have an option to buy Carroll at the end of his season-long loan deal at Upton Park, will be watching events closely. It was expected Carroll would remain in London beyond this season but a possible return to St James' Park may tempt the England striker. The 23-year-old made no secret of his reluctance to leave the north east when Liverpool came in with their huge offer in January 2011.