Chelsea trigger Ba release clause

Chelsea have triggered the release clause in Newcastle forward Demba Ba's contract. Ba, 27, has been given permission to speak to Chelsea and will miss Wednesday's game against Everton. It is believed his contract contains a clause which allows him to speak to other clubs in the event of a £7m bid. The Senegalese, who joined Newcastle from West Ham in June 2011, is currently joint-second top scorer in the Premier League with 13 goals.