Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew fears Demba Ba is facing a fans' backlash over his push to leave.

Ba, 27, faces a mixed reaction from fans at home to Everton tomorrow.

Pardew said: "It's hard for them to really feel Demba's solid with the team with everything that's going on.

"Our fans love him and want him in a black and white shirt scoring goals. Ideally, he stays.

"There's an offer on the table and it's getting close to the point where we say no more - but it's still there.

"When he plays he's committed, but he could end this whole situation. He needs to make an early decision for everyone's sake.

"The fans need to know if he's going. They want loyalty.

"This is a big club and perhaps he needs to make a statement. He has never said to me he wants to leave."