CHELSEA have suffered a blow in their bid to pinch Demba Ba.
The Newcastle hitman’s representatives met with Blues’ top brass last night to hammer out what will be one of the most complex negotiations of the transfer window.
But the deal on the table did not come close to meeting a point where Ba would consider leaving Tyneside.
The Senegalese striker has a £7.5million release clause in his current deal, meaning his army of advisors can talk to anyone in a bid to get the best terms.
As many as five family members and agents all want a piece of the £2.5 million Ba will pocket, leaving Toon with little less than £5 million for their top scorer.
A source close to the deal said: “Chelsea are in the box seat but dealing with all the extra parts of this deal won’t be easy.
“There are a lot of people wanting a slice and the feeling from Newcastle is that it could scupper any move.
“The Newcastle board are relaxed about it all. It’s out of their hands because of the clause so they cant stop his people talking to anyone.”
Toon though are set to seal the £5.5m signing of French fullback Mathieu Debuchy.
Boss Alan Pardew made a final check on the Lille ace last week and hopes to complete the move shortly.
