Newcastle United's Demba Ba

Transfer news: Demba Ba has been linked with a move away from Tyneside

Just about every top 10 club in the Premiership seems to be interested in Newcastle striker Demba Ba this Summer, as a release clause in his contract prompts constant speculation over the prolific striker’s future.

Manchester United, Liverpool, Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea are all reported to be sniffing around the 27-year-old Senegalese striker, whose 16 goals in his debut season on Tyneside after his 2011 transfer from West Ham saw the Toon finish in a brilliant fifth place.

However, Alan Pardew is desperate to keep hold of the tall target-man, whose goals with both head and boot kept on flowing, especially during the first half of the season. His month long absence due to the African Cup of Nations makes his final goal tally all the more impressive.

In the second half of the season, the goals dried up somewhat, with the emergence of fellow Senegal international striker Papiss Demba Cissé (who himself is attracting interest from Manchester United), with Ba often shunted out to the left wing. It will be interesting to see whether the lure of the big clubs will prove to irresistabl, or whether he will want to continue his role in the Newcastle side, along side his compatriot and friend.

Peculiarly, it has emerged that Ba has a release contract in his clause for just £7, a huge reduction in his actual value, which has prompted the wild speculation raining down on St. James’s Park this Summer.

It has been stipulated in some media circles that this clause is only valid between 31 May and 31 July, before he goes back to his original price, which if true will surely cause a mad rush for his signature, and perhaps a return to London. Chelsea are actively looking for a powerhouse to replace Didier Drogba, while Spurs are reportedly unwilling to pay the £10 million asking price for Emmanuel Adebayor.