Pardew Will Enforce Ba Move If He Doesn't Commit

Everybody knows that Newcastle United striker Demba Ba is apparently on his way out of the club and on his way to every club imaginable. However, more news of his release clause has been published in the papers today suggesting that not only will the £7.5 million trigger his sale, but that he will pocket £2.5million of that leaving Newcastle with just £5million left to find a suitable replacement. Manager Alan Pardew has said that he will not end up in this situation again with Ba and should he stay in January, he will be told to sign a new deal in the summer or go.

Ba has been most strongly linked with a move to Arsenal as a replacement for Theo Walcott, however he is demanding £80,000 a week in wages.

Today Wenger has been quoted saying that he is not prepared to discuss transfers in public. He said;

"It is not right to speak about him (Demba Ba) because he plays against us tomorrow. If you ask 'do we sign him?' I say 'no'.

Any interest we have in any player has to be kept secret so I cannot come out with any names."

Pardew has called the situation unhealthy but defended the initial contract before agreeing that it no longer makes sense for the club.

He said;

“I think this is the last window that this will roll on. In the summer, I will cut our losses with Demba. We’ll enforce a move if he doesn’t commit to the club. Or we will get a replacement.

I don’t think it’s healthy. At the time, the contract made sense for everybody, but now it doesn’t make sense.

Therefore, I think it will be resolved in this window.”

He added;

"I don’t see in him any desire to go – regardless of all the media.But with our fans here, I think he’ll find it difficult to find a better home to be honest.

We gave him the opportunity, and he’s scored goals here. I think he enjoys it here, and I want him to stay.

But it’s out of my hands – there’s nothing I can do about it at this stage. The ball is completely in Demba’s court.”