Newcastle Transfer News: Pardew Admits Demba Ba Could Be Sold In January

BBC Sport. Talks with the 27-year-old Senegalese forward over a new contract have apparently hit complications according to the same report as Ba is believed to be frustrated at his current role at the club. BBC Sport claim that Demba Ba has a £7 million buy-out clause, which according to Pardew is still active until the New Year. Pardew explained:

"There is that clause in his contract and it makes us vulnerable. It's still open in the next window."

Ba signed for Newcastle back in June 2011 and quickly made his mark at St James' Park by scoring 16 goals in 36 league appearances for the Magpies. Ba is currently the top goalscorer at Newcastle this season having scored three goals in four league games. Pardew spoke of how he discussed the matter with Ba before the squad left for Portugal:

"'I have spoken to Demba and told him I was disappointed with some of the comments around him. Sometimes it's out of his control and out of my control. I just think the agent stuff was people saying things they shouldn't say.

The BBC report that Ba's frustration is believed to stem from the second half of last season, when the Senegalese front-man was regularly played wide on the left in order to accommodate fellow Senegal international Papiss Cisse, who joined Newcastle from Freiberg in January - and despite starting this season in his favoured central position, Ba expressed his displeasure at starting on the bench for Monday's 2-2 draw at Everton. What do you think Newcastle fans - should the Magpies cut their losses and sell Ba this winter? Share your thoughts below.