Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew is becoming frustrated over Demba Ba's drawn-out contract talks.

Ba is thought to be keen to stay at Newcastle United and annoyed his commitment has been doubted.

Pardew told the Evening Chronicle: "The one thing I will say on a positive note is he has never, if I am honest, looked me in the eye and looked like he wanted to do anything else but stay here. I hope he does stay.

"Information about Demba's contract has leaked out since we have been here and these are things I don't think are acceptable.

"The truth of it is Demba has a clause in his contract and it is still hanging over us.

"We have tried to negotiate it away and we have not managed to do that as yet."