Newcastle coach Alan Pardew admitted Monday he is concerned over the future of Demba Ba, who scored twice in Newcastle’s 3-0 win against Wigan Athletic. The Senegalese striker, who has 10 goals in the English Premier League so far this season, has a release clause in his contract that would let him walk away from Tyneside for $12 million once the transfer window opens next month.

"The truth of it is that Demba has got a clause in his contract and it is still hanging over us," Pardew said. "We have tried to negotiate a way and we have not managed to do that as yet. But the one thing I will say on a positive note is that he has never, if I am honest, looked me in the eye and looked like he wanted to do anything else but stay here, and I hope he does."

Newcastle, which barely missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last season, is currently 14^th in the EPL standings. Monday’s win against Wigan was the club’s first since beating West Brom in October.