Newcastle confirms Chelsea have met Demba Ba's release clause

On the same day that Daniel Sturridge's move to Liverpool is wrapping up, Chelsea are getting closer to adding current Newcastle striker Demba Ba. The Magpies confirmed that Chelsea have met the player's release clause and that they've been given permission to discuss terms with the 27-year-old Senegalese forward.

Newcastle released this statement on their website today:

Newcastle United can confirm that Chelsea Football Club has made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player's contract.

"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 against Everton."

Basically things are getting serious. It's also a bit of good news for Everton who will be able to avoid have to deal with Ba during their match today at St. James Park.

Ba should provide a much needed second option to either play alongside or in place of Fernando Torres. Based on interim manager Rafa Benitez's comments it sounds like a rotation policy will be the choice especially with the Blues typically utilizing a single striker formation.

Since joining Newcastle from West Ham in 2011, Ba has made 54 appearances, scoring 29 goals, forming a lethal attacking combination with fellow Senegal striker Papiss Cissé.