Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew wants clear the air talks with Demba Ba this week.

Pardew will meet Ba this week in an attempt to assure the striker his remains a key part of the Newcastle project.

"Ever since he signed with us we've had the speculation - I don't think it's going to go away. We want him to stay, the fans do too, and we hope that will be the case," Pardew told the BBC.