United have neither confirmed nor denied talk of the clause, but senior board figures are furious the Tottenham boss put the subject on the agenda in the first place.
In a further twist, quotes emerged last night from a member of Demba Ba’s management team, Armand Doorn, claiming Manchester United were monitoring the player’s availability.
However, The Journal understands there has been absolutely no contact with any club regards Ba.
The club remain relaxed about the situation – and about Ba’s intentions, with the striker keen to stay at Newcastle. Yet they may be forced to to thrash out a new deal for Ba, whose current deal is heavily incentivised.
The player may be looking for more security and might argue he is entitled to an improved contract after a scintillating start which has seen him hit 15 goals.
He admitted over the weekend he would like to play for PSG one day, but there have been no bids and United will not welcome interest in him.
Pardew dodged questions about the striker’s future after Saturday’s defeat of Blackburn in the FA Cup.
