Newcastle United hope to wrap up a deal for West Ham United striker Demba Ba this week.
The Mirror says the French-born Senegal star is quitting West Ham on a free and Newcastle believe they are close to sealing a deal for the big striker.
Alan Pardew was back at his desk this week and completed the signing of Yohan Cabaye last night in a £5million switch from Lille.
Ba, 26, scored seven goals in 12 games for the Hammers' relegation-bound side and Newcastle can more than match his wages as they look to replace Andy Carroll with a new focal-point striker.