Metro: Pardew faces fight to keep Ba

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew admits the club face a fight to fend off the likes of Arsenal and Liverpool for hot-shot Demba Ba when the transfer window re-opens.

The Senegal striker was on target twice last night as Newcastle swept aside Wigan 3-0 at St James' Park, but with morning reports claiming Arsenal are ready to trigger Ba's £7.5million release clause, Pardew acknowledges the odds are against his side hanging on to their star player. 

'Demba's been outstanding for us. But this city is one where information gets out,' Pardew said. 

'We've had to board our training ground up because our team's been leaked, and details of Demba's contract have been leaked and that's not acceptable.' 

'He's still got a clause in his contract. We've tried to negotiate it away but haven't managed to yet.' 

'But he's never done anything other than look me in the eye and show me he wants to stay. He loves it here and understands it's a football city.' 

'We're trying to do a deal to take the clause out because it makes it difficult for me, for Demba and the club.' 

Liverpool are also thought to be keeping a close eye on the striker's situation, and may consider challenging Arsenal's for Ba's signature. 

Source: Metro.co.uk