Newcastle United defender Danny Simpson has described Demba Ba as "one of the best buys of the season".

The free transfer from West Ham United has netted 15 times in the Premier League this season, including the opener in Wednesday's 3-0 win against Manchester United.

"He's definitely been one of the best buys of the season. Ba's class, he shows it in training, he's got everything you want from a striker," Simpson told talkSPORT.

"He can score goals with his left foot, his right foot, headers, tap-ins, outside the box, his link-up play is brilliant, he can hold the ball up, he's got everything.

"Playing behind him is great. You know if you're doing your job and keeping a clean sheet then he score a goal from anywhere."

The Magpies will now be without the Senegal international for a number of weeks as he participates in the African Cup of Nations.