Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew insists that he was never bothered about reports linking Demba Ba with a summer departure.
The Senegal striker, who has scored 16 goals in 34 appearances for the Toon, was the subject of plenty of interest from clubs around Europe and the UK over the last few months.
Ba had a release clause in his contract that could have been activated prior to the beginning of August prompting some reports to state that the former West Ham United ace could have been on his way out at Sports Direct Arena.
But Pardew has revealed that it was never in his mind that Ba would want to leave the North East club.
"I've always been relaxed about it," Pardew told the Shields Gazette.
"I think Demba's said all he needed to say - he's a Newcastle player, and he enjoys playing here."
