The future of Newcastle United striker Demba Ba remains in doubt.

The Telegraph says Ba is set to start against Norwich City on Sunday despite doubts over his long-term commitment to the club following their refusal to renegotiate his contract.

Having touted him across the continent over the summer in an attempt to get someone to activate a £7 million release clause, Ba's advisers have since asked managing director Derek Llambias to extend and improve his £50,000-a-week contract.

Llambias has spoken to them, but with more than 18-months left to run on his current deal, and with Ba looking for at least parity with top earner and captain Fabricio Coloccini, who earns in excess of £60,000-a-week, the talks were brief.