Alan Pardew hopeful that Demba Ba will stay at Newcastle United

Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has revealed he’s hopeful that Demba Ba will remain at the club.

The Senegalese striker has been at the centre of intense speculation with Arsenal and Liverpool keen on signing him in January, as his well-publicised release clause continues to cause distraction.

But Pardew reckons there is a good chance he will remain at St James’ Park, and he has insisted that if he is with the club beyond the next transfer window he will attempt to change his star man’s contract to end further rumours about his future.

He said: "Really and truly this window is the key, I think, because if Demba goes in this window, it will cause us a problem.

"I think he will stay, but there's a possibility he could go because of the clause that's still in force.

"In the summer, I won't let it run until the summer. I'll do something about it. We will either move Demba on or we will secure him in the summer."