Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has expressed an interest in bringing ex-West Ham striker and current free agent Demba Ba to St. James’ Park. The striker has also been linked strongly with a move to Everton. What is certain is that Demba Ba will move to a Premier League club next season.
Pardew told reporters-
“Demba Ba has done very well since he came to England and he’s a good player.”
“I’m very much aware of him and I probably know what he is capable of more than most because I’ve known about him for a while, before he went to West Ham.”
Regarding other clubs including Everton also bidding for Ba’s services, he said-
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“We’re not the only club who are interested, but we are trying. There is always competition and we will keep plugging away.”
Ever since the 35 million pound sale of Andy Carroll in January, Newcastle have been in the market looking to bolster their striking options, which are currently a bit thin with Shola Ameobi, Leon Best and Nile Ranger fighting for the lone striker role, and none of them being able to unequivocally impress. Ba, who scored 7 goals in 10 Premier League starts for West Ham and saved them from many disastrous situations, could be the intimidating forward they’re looking for.
Moreover, the Toons risk a mini-exodus of important players this summer with Kevin Nolan already having joined West Ham on a five year deal, and Joey Barton and Jose Enrique looking to follow suit unless their contracts are improved. In such a volatile situation, the signing of a player like Ba would do well to placate their disgruntled supporters and instil a bit of optimism back into the Newcastle camp.
Demba Ba had a successful albeit short stint at The Hammers, after joining in January following a failed medical at Stoke City. He invoked the relegation release clause written into his contract when they perished at the end of the season. He was offered a very good new deal at West Ham but turned it down in favour of moving to a Premier League club.
A West Ham official said-
“He was offered £50,000 a-week wages and a half a million pound signing on fee. But he decided to walk away. We think he may now sign for Everton.”
In case the deal for Ba falls through, Pardew also has his eyes on other options including PSG striker Mevlut Erding.
