Chelsea Deny Ba Interest
Chelsea boss Rafa Benitez is in the dark over reports linking Newcastle United striker Demba Ba with a move to Stamford Bridge in the January transfer window.
The Senegal striker's representatives are understood to have met with members of The Blues hierarchy over a potential move in the New Year.
Daniel Sturridge appears set to leave the club for Liverpool upon the opening of the January transfer window, leaving Fernando Torres as Chelsea's sole out-and-out striker, but Benitez is under no pressure to add to his attacking resources.
On the link with Ba, Benitez said: "We don't talk about this business, we had a very important game today we will try to enjoy it and hopefully people at the club who are working I don't know what they will do but I am sure I will play a part I'm sure.
"All the players that play for other teams could be or not but I cannot talk about them. We are working hard and we are trying to do our job."
Ba has a widely reported £7m release clause at St James' Park and has scored 13 Premier League goals this season, but question marks remain over his long-term fitness, with Stoke City boss Tony Pulis turning down the option to sign the 27-year-old in 2011 due to his medical condition.
He netted twice in the 7-3 defeat to Arsenal on Saturday as Newcastle continue to struggle to build on their fifth-place finish in the Premier League last season, which saw them qualify for the Europa League.
With only one senior striker in their squad, Chelsea appear set to add to their attack in the January window, and could contemplate recalling Romelu Lukaku from his loan spell at West Bromwich Albion with the Belgian having netted six goals in as many Premier League starts this term.
Former Chelsea caretaker boss Ray Wilkins believes Ba would represent decent value for the European champions.
"He's a goalscorer and he's done exceptionally well this year with 13 goals already," he said.
"He's available in January at £7million. I know that's a lot of money, but in footballing terms for him, somebody who scores goals, it's not.
"Daniel Sturridge is going to Liverpool, supposedly, for £12m so the pound's in for Chelsea with a guy that can score goals at the top level."
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