Newcastle United manager Alan Pardew has admitted that he is eager for Demba Ba's future at the club to be sorted out quickly.
The Senegalese striker is believed to have held unsuccessful transfer talks with Chelsea over the weekend, while a number of other clubs are said to be considering meeting the £7m release clause in the 26-year-old's contract.
Discussing the ongoing saga, Pardew has accused a number of outside influences of "fuelling" the situation.
"I feel a little bit sorry for Demba because I think the people that are representing him are not actually representing him. There are people fuelling this who are not actually involved - that is the sort of world we are in," Pardew told reporters.
"The contract is what it is, we are all aware of that. For me as the manager I need it resolved as quickly as possible. That is the best situation for our fans and our club."
When asked if there was a contract offer on the table for Ba to remain with the Magpies, Pardew replied: "Yes there is."
The manager also confirmed that Ba will be in the squad to face Everton on Wednesday night.
Liam Apicella
