Newcastle boss Alan Pardew: Demba Ba's contract hanging over us

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew remains frustrated as negotiations over Demba Ba's new contract continue to stall due to his release clause.

The Senegal striker, who scored his 10th goal of the season in Monday's 3-0 win over Wigan, has a condition in his contract which had to be activated by July by any club wanting to take advantage of it.

This failed to happen in the summer, meaning that while the current deal remains in place, the clause will continue to be activated during each window.

With Ba's current deal expiring in 2014 and the next transfer window looming, the Magpies are determined to secure the services of the 27-year-old on a long-term basis.

Pardew told Sky Sports after the win over Wigan: "Demba is a player who loves it here and he understands it is a football city.

"We've tried to do a deal with him and take the clause out and that's probably where the speculation is.

"The clause is always hanging over us and it makes it difficult for us, the club and him. We accept that and that's the way football is."

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Source: SkySports