Newcastle shouldn't sell French winger and midfielder

There are reports out that Newcastle United are putting most of their French contingent of players on the selling block, including Hatem Ben Arfa, Sylvain Marveaux, Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa and even Massadio Haïdara (which would be insane).

In some regard, you could see the writing on the wall for both Marveaux and Ben Arfa as the 2013/2014 season went on. The Toon lacked in creativity and in the attack and the squads most creative player continued to be on the bench or not even included on the match day squad. Ben Arfa and Pardew have clearly had a falling out, and who knows why Marveaux hasn't been used much, if at all, given he's the only proper winger on the squad.

I don't know what's going on behind the scenes or in the locker room, but it's clear some players get in the dog house with Alan Pardew and never seem to make their way out, and both these players appear on that track.

At this point though, selling Marveaux and Ben Arfa, as well as the other two French defenders, seems to be cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Newcastle have struggled to find a fit at the left back position, and while Davide Santon still has a chance to fill that role, the depth behind him is a bit questionable. Paul Dummett is solid, but still a bit rough at the position. Haidara is only 21 years old and when not dealing with a major injury, has flashed real ability both defensively and on the attack pressing forward.

Ben Arfa, as frustrating as he can be on the pitch, at this point is still a player Newcastle need. Unless Mike Ashley plans to replace these players they're selling off one-for-one, which we know isn't going to happen, there isn't a real need to dump them out unless they're just complete disasters in the locker room and on the practice field.

Let's face it, they're not going to get a good return money-wise on these players, so again it seems like a move backwards.