Mail: Reds monitor Ba situation

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is still hoping to secure a new deal to keep Demba Ba at the club.

Talks with the striker, aimed at replacing a £7.5million release clause, have stalled in the last month, with Arsenal and Liverpool monitoring the situation.

After Ba took his season's tally to 10 with two goals in last night's 3-0 win over 10-man Wigan, Pardew said he is confident Ba will stay beyond next month's transfer window.

Pardew said: 'He loves it here, he understands it is a football city. We have tried to do a deal to take the clause out and we have not managed to do it yet so it is hanging over us and it makes it difficult for me, for Demba and the club in the next window.

'He is inspirational and has been brilliant for us. He has never looked me in the eye and said he wants to do anything other than stay. I hope he does.'

The victory ended Newcastle's run of four straight losses and Pardew added: 'It was a massive victory. Four defeats in this city is not easy.'

Ba's first - from the penalty spot on 13 minutes - also saw Maynor Figueroa sent off.

Wigan manager Roberto Martinez was understandably frustrated at the decision but reacted calmly.

Source: Mail Online