Newcastle United have rubbished claims that Rubin Kazan are looking to trigger Demba Ba’s £7 million release clause the Daily Mail reports.
Reports from Russia today indicated that manager Kurban Berdyev was looking to bring the Senegalese international to the Central Stadium in order to pair him with former Magpies forward Obafemi Martins.
It’s thought Rubin were on the verge of discussing personal terms with Ba who has been linked with a move away from Tyneside ever since the publication of his release clause back in January.
Teams have until 31st July to activate it but St James’ Park insiders are adamant they have received no contact regarding the 27-year-old and remain optimistic that he will remain at the club.
The former West Ham striker joined Newcastle on a free transfer last summer after quitting Upton Park and has become a firm fan favourite after scoring 16 times during the first half of the season.
However, Ba’s last competitive goal in a black and white shirt came in February with the arrival of international teammate Papiss Cisse seeing him move to the left of Alan Pardew’s three pronged attack.
Meanwhile, Pardew is said to be chasing Marseille star Loic Remy as he looks to step up his recruitment process ahead of the new Premier League campaign.
The France attacker has been linked with Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the past with the 25-year-old revealing he doesn’t know where he will be spending he 2012/12 campaign.
“I have a contract with Marseille but if the club wants to sell you, there is nothing you can do about that,” said Remy.
“The window closes on August 31, so we have plenty of time.”