Demba Ba was pulled out of the Newcastle side that will face Everton tonight following Chelsea’s bid for the in-form striker. Talks between Chelsea and Demba Ba’s representatives had initially broken down last weekend because of the amount of fee they were demanding to facilitate the deal, but a deal has now been struck due to the compromise from Ba’s representatives.

Goodbye Demba Ba

Ba had been initially demanding a five-year contract and a weekly wage of as much as 83million Euros, although it is understood that he has compromised for a much lower salary of around 70 million Euros plus bonuses at Stamford Bridge. The only potential stumbling block remaining appears to be the players medical. Stoke City pulled out a 5.5million deal to sign the Senegal international from Bundesliga club Hoffenheim two years ago as they were about an old knee injury and were told they would not be able to insure him.

Ba has not missed a single game for Newcastle because of knee problem and Chelsea may well decide to go through with the transfer even if they cannot insure him against future injuries. The loss of Demba Ba is a huge blow for Newcastle United. The 27 year old has scored 13 goals in 26 games for the Toons in the Premier League this season, although they have been bracing themselves for his departure for the past 12 months.

The club statement said: “Newcastle United can confirm that Chelsea Football Club has made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player’s contract. The club has given the player permission to speak to Chelsea FC and therefore he will not be included in the squad for tonight’s game against Everton.”

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew said on Monday that the striker had to resolve his future soon.

The Toon manager said: “It’s difficult for our fans to really feel that Demba Ba is solid with the team with everything else that’s going on. But when he has played he has always shown full commitment and I do think he’s becoming a victim of a few sharks around him. He needs to make his decision fairly early – for everyone’s sake, most of all himself. Our fans need to know if he’ll still be with us to the summer”.

Newcastle have shown their interest in signing Loic Remy from Marseille as a replacement for the Senegal international Demba ba, but they have not agreed on a transfer fee and there are many other clubs interested in him.

Tags: Alan Pardew, Chelsea, Demba Ba, EPL, Everton, Newcastle, Newcastle United, Premier League, Toons