Ba goes to Chelsea with our blessing, says Pardew

Jan 2, 2013 8:40:00 PM

The Blues activated the striker's £7 million buy-out clause on Wednesday and look set to confirm his signing within days, with the Magpies manager revealing the move is "done"

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has wished Demba Ba good luck ahead of his proposed move to Chelsea, insisting the striker leaves with the club’s blessing.

The Senegal international has been the subject of intense transfer speculation in recent weeks, with Arsenal and Liverpool also linked with a move, but the Blues triggered Ba’s £7 million buy-out clause on Wednesday.

Pardew admitted he is disappointed to potentially lose such an important player, but he is pleased the saga looks to be coming to a conclusion.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Pardew said: "Well there's no swift resolution, it's done, he'll go to Chelsea and with our blessing.

	LIFE WITHOUT DEMBA
11/4	Papiss Cisse or Shola Ameobi are 11/4 with William Hill to score first against Brighton

“He's been fantastic for us, it's a good club and good luck to him. For us, it's not a bad thing, for all the uncertainty, it's now done, and we'll move on. In some respects I'm pleased."

Pardew admits that he has been frustrated about being kept in the dark regarding Ba’s situation, noting that it has impacted the team’s preparation for Wednesday’s clash against high-flying Everton.

He continued: "Yes [it's had an impact], we prepared yesterday with Demba in the side, I was assuming, well I was in the dark, really, as I've been with most of this deal, because the ball was always in Demba's court.

“We had no inclination yesterday, so we set up the team with Papiss [Cisse] in his normal role, although I was tempted to change that.

“I've put Shola [Ameobi] in for Demba. Going forward, Papiss will go through the middle for us."

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