Alan Pardew has confirmed Demba Ba is on his way to Chelsea, who have sold Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool on a busy day in the transfer market.
It has been well documented that Ba had a £7million release clause in his contract at Newcastle United, and having found the back of the net 13 times in 20 appearances this season, there was never likely going to be a shortage of interest. Despite speculation linking the 27-year-old with Arsenal in recent days, it is London rivals Chelsea who met the price for his signature on Wednesday, and a deal now looks certain to be completed.
Ahead of the visit of Everton, Magpies manager Pardew was asked for a progress report on Ba’s pending move to Stamford Bridge, and he told Sky Sports: “It’s done. He will go to Chelsea, and with our blessing.”
Losing the Senegal international will no doubt be a blow to Newcastle, who have struggled to repeat the form of last season when they were challenging for a top-four finish in the Premier League. Before their clash against the Toffees, they have won just five times, and are only two points above the relegation zone.
It hasn’t all been bad news for Pardew in the opening 48 hours of the transfer window, though. Mathieu Debuchy, the France international fullback he courted throughout the summer, looks set to complete a £6million move from Lille this week. The 27-year-old, who impressed at Euro 2012, was in attendance at St James Park on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, on what has been a busy day in the transfer window, Liverpool have completed the £12million signing of Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge. The former Manchester City youngster had failed to nail down a regular start for the Blues, and when he did feature, he was often asked to appear in an unfamiliar role on the right hand side of attack. At Anfield, he will now hope to form a pairing with Uruguayan talisman Luis Suarez.
