London, Dec. 20 (ANI): Manchester United could make a five-million-dollar surprise move for Marseille winger, Hatem Ben Arfa, in January.

According to the News of the World, contact has been made between Olympique de Marseille and Manchester United over the availability of Ben Arfa, 22, who has struggled to gain a regular place in the French club.

Ben Arfa would be the kind of value-for-money signing Fergie is seeking in an inflated transfer market.

“For now, we have not established contact with any club. But do not rule out a move. Maybe OM have had contact with interested clubs,” The paper quoted Ben Arfa’s agent Jean-Jacques Bertrand, as saying.

United have been delighted with the successful capture of Bordeaux youngster Gabriel Obertan and think Ben Arfa could be just as effective.

Ben Arfa was expected to move to England when leaving Lyon, after attracting interest from Arsenal, but ended up at the Stade Velodrome instead. (ANI)