Yet Another Ba Alarm, Likely Premature

NUFC fans on Twitter are going off the reins at this morning's fresh round of rumors that Demba Ba is about to be packaged off from Newcastle, this time to Chelsea. Anything is possible, given a suitor desperate enough to meet Ba's reported wage and agent-bonus demands atop the infamous £7.5 million release. But as former "sports journalists" we offer the following as today's chill pill: 

- The rumors have no independent sources, which means they're likely originating with Ba himself and/or his legions of agents.

- The Chronicle says "Ba has now told some of his teammates he wants to make the move to London." In the realm of shocks, this is barely static electricity.

- Sky lists no particular source at all, either named or characterized, using the dreaded passive-tense "Chelsea are understood" that's a specialty of the rumor-churning English press.

- The Telegraph's story appears to be based on conjecture about the ease and logic of the deal, while giving money figures of £70K in weekly wage and £2 million in agent fees that are low-ball compared to what's been reported elsewhere.

- None of the stories say negotiations have begun. Much less a medical.

- And these are the more reliable media when it comes to transfers.

So while Ba could be headed to Chelsea or another money-to-burn club in January, the idea of a move being imminent, based solely on today's reports, is almost laughably premature. We stand by our recent piece on the Demba Ba "transfer dance." Substitute "Chelsea" for "Arsenal."

Comments

[FATASH]

I wonder if he goes will he get first team football as often as he does here. Chelsea have a lot of capable players and he will be another in a larger squad than ours.

[Bob]

Good point. Especially when we're talking about a player who likes to be the center of attention.

[JeffC]

I wonder if Rafa would bench his golden child regardless of form or lack there of? Ba, hypothetically, would provide cover for Moses while on ACN duty? Seems silly if it's real. After following the EPL for about the last 13 years it still amazes me that players will jump at money, when they are already making ridiculous amounts, and sit on the bench.

[Jaeger]

boy this is going to be a riveting transfer period. cant wait for all the false rumors and reports from the sun or l'equipe about 30 million dollar bids for shola and perchino.

if ba doesn't go to chelsea, he will stay here. dont think there will be someone wanting to pay those agent fees and dish out 80k+ /week.

not sure on how remy would do in the spot with cisse though....especially in a 4-4-2 which i know pardew will want to do. glad debuchy is coming in since simpson has a 'broken toe' ;) but still need a bruzer of a CB (vidic-like)

[9NUFC]

Does anyone have any links to watch the match today? Fox Soccer already ruining my 2013!!