Nice and Nantes in talks to sign former Newcastle bad boy Ben Arfa

HATEM BEN ARFA is reportedly in talks with Nantes and Nice as he plots a return to Ligue 1.

The winger, 32, has been without a club since leaving Rennes in the summer off the back of leading them to a surprise French Cup triumph.

Despite his age, Ben Arfa is still seen as hot property in France having scored nine goals and assisted six last season.

The spell at Rennes proved why he has become something of a comeback kid as it came after a year on the sidelines at Paris Saint-Germain.

Former team Nice have admitted to RMC their interest in him signing once more after a highly impressive season on the south coast in 2015/16 - again after seemingly falling off the game's radar.

However not everyone inside the club, managed by former Arsenal hero Patrick Vieira, is certain he is the right fit.

That is not the case at Nantes where L'Equipe report of clear intent to sign Ben Arfa.

Currently second in Ligue 1, Les Canaris were in talks with the attacking midfielder recently and may use his arrival as a way to add to their momentum.

Until he signs on the dotted line, Ben Arfa is said to be training alone in Paris to maintain his fitness.

Despite helping Rennes lift their first major trophy in over 35 years in May, he left due to disagreements with their style of football.

He stated before leaving: "I am oriented by the game. I do not take pleasure and we need to be guided by this. What we are offering is limited, so it guides my choice."