Striker Ba nears Newcastle switch

Ba scored twice on his full debut for West Ham

Newcastle United hope to finalise a deal for West Ham striker Demba Ba within the next 24 hours.

The Senegal international is expected to travel to Tyneside for talks.

The 26-year-old former Hoffenheim forward is understood to have a release clause in the three-year contract he signed with West Ham in January.

Ba scored seven goals in 13 appearances for the Hammers in the 2010/2011 season, but could not prevent their relegation from the Premier League.

If the deal goes through, he will become the first high-profile name to leave West Ham following their drop down to the Championship.

Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is known to be in the market for at least one striker following Andy Carroll’s £35m move to Liverpool in January.

Ba’s potential transfer comes as Newcastle captain Kevin Nolan heads in the opposite direction, with the 28-year-old midfielder expected to complete a switch to Upton Park on Thursday.

His impending departure is a blow for Pardew, who was keen to retain the services of Nolan, Joey Barton and Jose Enrique, three of his highest earners.

However, Nolan rejected the terms of an extension, Barton has not been offered a new deal and Enrique is yet to respond to Newcastle’s contract proposal.