Former Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan has urged the club's current boss Alan Pardew to sign the strongest possible replacement for Chelsea-bound Demba Ba.

Senegal international Ba is thought to be undergoing a medical with the Blues after they triggered the reported £7m release clause in the 27-year-old's contract yesterday afternoon.

Ba's imminent departure had resulted in some pundits suggesting that his compatriot Papiss Cisse could now be given a more central striking role by Pardew.

However, speaking exclusively to Sports Mole, now ESPN analyst Keegan stated his belief that Cisse would not be able to produce the same performances that Ba has done over the previous 18 months.

"If I was Alan Pardew, I'd be pushing to get the best player that I can and spend enough money to try and better Demba Ba, if that's possible," he said. "There is no good buying someone and hoping that he is as good. You've got to look at it and think - can we make a plus out of what looks like a minus?

"Would I trust Papiss Cisse? I don't see him as a prolific goalscoring centre-forward in the Premier League. He will get goals, and spectacular goals, but Demba Ba was more about headers and the strength. I think they will miss Ba's hold-up play.

"I don't see Cisse being that type of guy any more than I do someone like Theo Walcott. He can run, he's quick and knows where the goal is but can you build upon him away from home? No, I don't think you can. He's not a number one striker."

Next up for a Newcastle is a trip to Championship side Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup on Saturday afternoon.

ESPN will air live and exclusive coverage of three FA Cup Third Round games this weekend. Swansea City vs. Arsenal at 1pm and Mansfield Town vs. Liverpool at 3.45pm on Sunday, then Cheltenham vs. Everton at 7pm on Monday. Visit ESPN.co.uk/tv for details.