Demba Ba has played down speculation linking him with a move away from Newcastle United this summer.
GettyImagesDemba Ba has been linked with several top Premier League clubs
Ba, 27, enjoyed an outstanding debut season at Newcastle after signing from West Ham on a free transfer, scoring 16 goals in 34 Premier League appearances.
The Senegal international’s form has seen him linked with a switch to a so-called bigger side, with Galatasaray the latest club to be mooted as suitors.
However, Ba, who is said to have a £7 million release clause in his contract, wrote on his Twitter account: “So much stuff about me lately. Rumours are rumours! Just forget about it.”
Meanwhile, it is reported that Newcastle boss Alan Pardew is closing in on another summer target after agreeing a fee for teenage midfielder Gael Bigirimana.
The Magpies are said to have reached an agreement with Coventry over the 18-year-old Burundi-born player, who moved to this country as a refugee in 2004, and that discussions are at an advanced stage.
