Magpies ‘move on’ as Ba takes flight

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is confident striker Demba Ba’s proposed move to Chelsea will go through, allowing the Magpies to “move on”.

The Blues have been given permission to talk to the 27-year-old Senegal international after meeting the £7 million release clause stipulated in the deal he signed with Newcastle during the summer of 2011.

Ba was withdrawn from the Newcastle squad for last night’s Premier League clash with Everton at St James’ Park as a result.

And speaking before kick-off, Pardew was confident a deal was just a matter of time.

“It’s done. He will go to Chelsea with our blessing,” Pardew said. “He has done fantastic for us and it’s not a bad thing, all the uncertainty is now done and we can move on.

“This club is bigger than any player for sure.”

Pardew admitted the timing of the news was not ideal, but added: “The ball was always in Demba’s court.”

A club statement had earlier read: “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.”

The move comes as little surprise after the Londoners held talks with the player’s representatives at the weekend.

Ba will replace Daniel Sturridge at Stamford Bridge after the England striker completed his move to Liverpool on a long-term deal.

The Reds have been pursuing the 23-year-old for some time, having first expressed their interest in him back in August, and are believed to have paid in the region of £12m.

“I am humbled and happy to be here,” Sturridge said.

“Brendan Rodgers said he sees me here for a long time — and I also see myself here for a long time. I’ve not signed here to play for a couple of years and then move on.

“I’ve signed to be here for as long as possible. It’s a humongous club — for me, one of the biggest in the world — and to have the fans and world-class players we have here is amazing.”

Sturridge is relishing the prospect of linking up with Luis Suarez at Anfield.

“To have him as a team-mate is great,” he said. “He’s a very good player, very talented and rated as a one of the best players in attacking positions in the world right now.

“It’s good to be part of a team with him in and I’m sure we’ll be able to play well together.’’