The Telegraph report that Ba's agents want a commission that the club are not willing to pay.

Meanwhile Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has called on the player to make his intentions clear.

"I still think it's even whether Demba will stay or go," said Pardew. "I'd like to think he'll stay but that's up to him. I do think he's slightly becoming a victim of a few sharks around him but, having said that, our fans want loyalty.

"This is a big club and I think perhaps he needs to make a statement at some point. I do feel that for our fans he needs to give a message of some description."