Alan Pardew has revealed that Demba Ba's move to Chelsea is as good as done and says the striker will leave with Newcastle's blessing.
The Blues
have been given permission to talk to the Senegal international after triggering a release clause in his contract with a £7m bid.Ba was withdrawn from the Newcastle squad to face Everton at St James' Park and speaking before kick-off, Pardew was confident the move would swiftly go through.
"It's done. He will go to Chelsea
with our blessing," Pardew told Sky Sports. "He will go to Chelsea with our blessing. He has done fantastic for us and it's not a bad thing, all the uncertainty is now done and we can move on."
Chelsea officials held initial discussions with Ba's representatives earlier this week but had been unable to reach an agreement.
The Senegal frontman, who joined Newcastle on a free transfer from West Ham in June 2011, already has 13 goals to his name this season and has been pursued by several clubs.
Newcastle released a statement which read: "Newcastle United
can confirm Chelsea Football Club has made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player's contract.
Ba leaving with Pardew's blessing
"The club has given the player permission to speak to Chelsea FC and therefore he will not be included in the squad for tonight's game with Everton."
Chelsea's interim manager Rafael Benitez is keen to add another striker to his squad to provide competition for Fernando Torres,
claiming the club's £50m record signing would have no problem with being used in a rotation system.Benitez has also been linked with moves for Atletico Madrid striker Radamel Falcao and Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle.
