Short-term [hopeful] fix…?
Chelsea manager Rafael Benítez to sign Demba Ba from Newcastle United for £7m
Newcastle United striker Demba Ba is on the verge of agreeing a £7 million January move to Chelsea.
It proved a highly satisfying Sunday for interim manager Rafa Benítez as he led the club into third place in the Premier League with a win at Everton before attention turned to the recruitment of the Newcastle striker.
Talks were scheduled between Stamford Bridge officials and Ba’s representatives last night. A clause in Ba’s contract means Alan Pardew is powerless to prevent the 27 year-old’s departure from St James’ Park and it is understood Chelsea are also willing to pay a further £2 million in agents’ fees to get the deal done.
Having agreed the £12 million sale of Daniel Sturridge to Liverpool, Benítez needs more firepower because he saw Fernando Torres toil again despite an encouraging victory at Goodison Park.