Wasn't expecting him to move in the winter anyway. Been hearing rumblings of Villa coming in during the winter but so far it's all smoke no fire.
quote:
Chelsea's hopes of signing Newcastle striker Demba Ba have suffered an early blow after unproductive discussions over his future, according to multiple reports.
Chelsea officials met the 27-year-old's representatives on Sunday night and the deal on the table reportedly did not come close to meeting the point where he would consider leaving St James' Park.
According to the Daily Mail, Ba earns £20,000 per week plus £20,000 in appearance fees and hoped to double that figure with his new contract, a prospect at which Chelsea balked.
However, while the Ba camp has indicated that the Senegal international does not now expect to be playing his football at Stamford Bridge next month, it is likely that the impasse represents only the initial skirmish in a battle which could run and run.
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Newcastle United have given Demba Ba permission to open contract talks with Chelsea after the London club triggered the Senegal striker's £7m release clause.
Ba, 27, has been removed from Newcastle's squad for the game against Everton, and will instead travel for talks with the London club.