The France international was reported to be close to agreeing a deal that would see him join the Magpies on loan, although Hughton has continually denied there has been any direct contact.

That was supported by Marseille president Jean-Claude Dassier, who, after meeting Ben Arfa yesterday, insisted he expects him to remain at OM.

"Hatem is part of our squad and will remain so," he said. "There is no serious and solid offer from Newcastle at the moment."

Dassier added that he does not expect the situation to change before the transfer window closes.

Hughton has made three signings so far, and of those only James Perch is in line to make his debut in their opening match against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

Sol Campbell is still working his way back to match fitness after leaving Arsenal at the end of last season while Dan Gosling is not scheduled to be fit until the end of the year following knee surgery.

And, despite their runaway Championship triumph last season, Hughton knows he must add to a squad that was shorn of a number of players following their relegation two seasons ago.

He said: "We're still working, along with other clubs. It is a difficult time and it's about making sure we bring in the right individuals at the right prices.

"It's a work in progress. I've continually said we do need to strengthen this squad and I'm still very, very confident that we will do."

Newcastle remain one of the more high profile clubs in the Premier League but they can no longer compete with the top sides financially.

Some pundits have tipped the Magpies to head straight back down and, although relegation is not a prospect Hughton is contemplating, he admits he is unsure how they will fare.

"There has been no talk of relegation or avoiding relegation - absolutely none," he told the Newcastle Journal.

"We're not quite sure what the season holds for us. Some might be pleasantly surprised, some might be disappointed - we don't know."

Hughton has received plenty of praise for the job he has done at St James' Park, first as caretaker while owner Mike Ashley tried to sell the club last summer and then when he was appointed permanent boss in November.

But the former Tottenham coach finds himself as the favourite to be the first Premier League manager sacked this season, with the odds shortening following Martin O'Neill's shock resignation at Aston Villa.

Hughton, though, is taking it in his stride.

"It's something that you expect," he said. "There is only one important thing and that is trying to do the best that you can.

"If I am able to do a very good job then the talk and speculation and rumours will be dampened.

"That comes with the job. It comes with the territory of being the manager of a big, high-profile club like Newcastle United. Personally, I will ignore it."

There was mixed news on the injury front for Hughton ahead of the United trip, with striker Andy Carroll expected to have recovered from a back injury and Alan Smith (ankle) also available.

Striker Leon Best and defender Danny Simpson are facing spells on the sidelines with ankle problems, though, and Steven Taylor (shoulder) is a long-term absentee.