Newcastle United striker Demba Ba could leave the club in the New Year after he was left on the bench during the first half of Monday’s 2-2 draw with Everton. The Senegalese international was the Magpies top scorer last term with 16 goals but found himself playing second fiddle to fellow countryman Papiss Cisse following his arrival from Freiburg in January. Ba came on at half time at Goodison Park and twice brought his side level but his agent Alex Gontran has hinted that the 27-year-old is unhappy with his current role. The former West Ham forward was heavily linked with a move away from St James’ Park in the summer owing to the £7.5 million release clause in his contract and Gontran says he and his client will ‘look at other solutions’ should he continue to be a substitute all season. Metro
No bids for City and Liverpool target Barrada – Getafe insist they have received no bids for winger Abdel Barrada amidst talk that Manchester City, Liverpool and Barcelona are interested. The 22-year-old Moroccan international has shone for the Spanish side this season attracting the interest of the aforementioned trio who are said to be keeping close tabs on his progress. Barrada still has three-years to run on his contract at the Estadio Coliseum Alfonso Pérez but it’s unlikely Getafe will stand in his way if a sizeable offer is submitted. Sky Sports
Ireland winger eyeing Premier League switch – Aiden McGeady’s agent admits the Republic of Ireland winger would consider leaving Spartak Moscow for a move to the Premier League should a club submit a serious offer for his services. The 26-year-old has spent the past two-years in Russia after leaving Celtic but has continually been linked with a move to England with Aston Villa and Sunderland keen admirers. A move to the Stadium of Light would reunite McGeady with his old Parkhead boss Martin O’Neill and his representative, Jan Dreyer, says a move could happen should anyone approach them with a firm bid. Sporting Life
Barca chasing Magpies keeper – Barcelona boss Tito Vilanova is keeping tabs on Newcastle goalkeeper Tim Krul as he hunts for a new understudy to Victor Valdes. The Holland international shone for the Magpies last term emerging as one of the best shot stoppers in the Premier League and his form has piqued Vilanova’s interest. The Spanish giants current number two, 36-year-old Jose Pinto, is set to leave the Nou Camp when his contract expires next summer and wants 24-year-old Krul to provide serious competition for Valdes. Daily Mirror