Alan Pardew: Chelsea's Demba done deal

Alan Pardew admitted Chelsea’s pursuit of Demba Ba was all but complete, before Newcastle United’s 2-1 loss to Everton at St James Park.

Chelsea triggered Ba’s £7.5million release clause today, and were confident of wrapping up a deal with the striker regardless of previous reports of a break-down in talks.

The Senegalese striker will undergo a medical at Stamford Bridge tomorrow, with his signature expected to be confirmed by the weekend.

The French-born forward has scored 13 goals so far this term, regardless of the rest of his team’s faltering performances.

The Magpies boss said: “It’s done. He will go to Chelsea with our blessing. 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.”

Newcastle will be left with only two senior strikers in Papiss Cisse and Shola Ameobi, and are expected to sign a replacement for Demba Ba in the next couple of weeks.

Newcastle are expected to bid for Loic Remy, who has been repeatedly linked with a move to the Premier League.

Chelsea today confirmed the sale of Daniel Sturridge, leading me to further believe that Demba Ba’s signature was imminent, as Chelsea had previously refused to confirm his sale ahead of signing his replacement.

I think Demba Ba will make an immediate impact at Chelsea, with him challenging Fernando Torres for the sole-striker role. Torres has been hanging onto his position due to Chelsea’s lack of options, and I believe Ba will displace the Spaniard before the month’s end.

The Senegalese forward is joint-second top goalscorer in the Premier League and I can see no reason why he would come to sit on our bench. Suddenly I can see light at the tunnel. Demba is just the type of player I was hoping would arrive.

Now all Chelsea need to do is replace Torres with Radamel Falcao and Chelsea will rule England and Europe all over again. Great signing Roman.