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. TheSenegalese 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 transferwindow 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 notmanaged 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 Ihope he does.”
Newcastle, which barely missed out on qualifying for the UEFA Champions League last season, is currently 14th in the EPL standings. Monday’s win against Wiganwas the club’s first since beating West Brom in October.