Alan Pardew: 'Demba Ba could leave Newcastle in January'

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he could be forced to relinquish striker Demba Ba in next month's transfer window.

The Senegal international has a release clause in his contract that rival clubs can activate in January.

"It would be disappointing for him to leave in this window but the decision will be his because that clause is there," Pardew said in a press conference.

Bookmakers are already predicting that the 27-year-old will leave St James' Park and Arsenal have been named as the favourites to sign him.