Toon bid for Dutch ace

Newcastle are reported to have made an £8million bid for FC Twente striker Luuk De Jong as doubts surround the future of Demba Ba.

Toon boss Alan Pardew has been heavily linked with a move for the Dutch international since the season ended and reports now claim that an offer has finally gone in. Twente boss Steve McClaren is now said to be weighing up his options before giving the green light to the move but it is thought they will not stand in his way and a move to St James' Park looks to be on the cards. One stumbling block could be the fee and Newcastle may have to get closer to Twente's £12.5million valuation if a deal is to be pushed through, while Liverpool and Tottenham are also keen. If De Jong does sign that could spell the end of Ba's time at Newcastle even though club officials have insisted the Senegal striker is not for sale this summer. Ba still has a clause in his contract allowing him to leave for £7million and West Ham look set to activate it and possibly take him back to Upton Park.