THE RACE TO sign Newcastle striker Demba Ba is wide open once again, after talks between the player and Chelsea on Sunday night proved unproductive.
The £7m release clause in Ba’s contract becomes active, once again, on Tuesday and a number of top clubs have been linked with his services.
It had appeared that the Blues had stolen a march on their rivals but the offer made to the 27-year-old was reportedly not enough for him to commit.
The Senegalese frontman has scored 13 goals so far this season, providing the one bright spot in a disappointing campaign for Alan Pardew’s side.
Pardew has spoken of his keenness to keep Ba at the club, but that possibility seems more and more likely given the riches on offer at clubs either in, or chasing, Champions League spots.
Arsenal and Tottenham are just two other clubs linked with the former West Ham striker.
