Metro: Anzhi have Ba advantage

Premier League duo Arsenal and Liverpool are set to be outbid for Newcastle’s Demba Ba by Russian giants Anzhi Makhachkala.

Both Arsenal and Liverpool have been monitoring Ba’s situation closely as the January transfer window approaches, but could both be pipped to the striker’s signature by moneybags Anzhi.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew revealed a £7.5million buy-out clause for the Senegalese international would again come into action in the new year, but Ba and his representatives are believed to be holding out for a four-year deal worth £80,000 a week in the north-east.

Ba’s wage demands could put off many potential suitors and are said to be the main stumbling block in the striker not yet having signed a new deal at St James’ Park.

But the finances are unlikely to be a problem for big-spending Anzhi and boss Guus Hiddkink will also have one eye on the possibility of losing centre-forward Lacina Traore in the summer, with Liverpool thought to be keen on the Ivorian after facing him in the Europa League.

Source: Metro