Newcastle United striker Demba Ba has been removed from the squad to face Everton tonight as Chelsea has triggered his $11.4 million release clause. The Senegal international will instead travel to the London club to begin negotiations over a possible move.

"Newcastle United can confirm that Chelsea have made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player's contract," a statement from Newcastle's Web site said. "The club has given the player permission to speak to Chelsea and therefore he will not be included in the squad for tonight's game against Everton."

Earlier in the week Magpies coach Alan Pardew criticized Ba’s representatives for their part in his potential move to Stamford Bridge. "There are people out there who are fuelling this who are not actually involved,” Pardew said. “People are getting involved who perhaps have no right to be involved. I think Demba's at a loss as to who some of the representatives are. They don't represent him and I think he's a bit upset about that."

Ba has scored 13 goals for Newcastle so far this season.