Demba Ba: Chelsea confirm capture of Newcastle striker

Chelsea have signed striker Demba Ba from Newcastle on a three-and-a-half year deal for an undisclosed fee.

It is believed Ba's contract with St James' Park club contained a clause allowing him to speak to other clubs in the event of a £7m bid. Born in Paris suburb of Sevres

• One of eight children
• Previous clubs: Rouen, Mouscron, Hoffenheim, West Ham, Newcastle United
• Scored seven goals in only 12 Premier League starts for West Ham
• Scored 17 goals in his first season at Newcastle
• Already has 13 league goals so far this term, almost half of Newcastle's entire tally

"It feels good to be here, I'm very happy and very proud," the 27-year-old told the Chelsea club website. 
"It was important for me, and for Newcastle, to get my future sorted and now we can move on."
The Senegal striker added: "Now they have the whole month to buy someone. Now I am here I just need to get settled in.
"When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy. This club is massive and that's something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one."