Demba Ba is on the verge of completing a January move to Chelsea, according to reports from Sky Sports.

The Newcastle striker has been heavily linked with a move away from the North East club recently, with his much reported £7m release clause tempting a number of suitors.

Chelsea are set to swoop for the Senegalese international, as they look to replace Daniel Sturridge, who is set to join Liverpool within the next few days.

Although the basic transfer fee will be dictated by the clause within his contract, it is believed that the deal may rise beyond the £10m mark due to a series of add-ons.

Ba had been rumoured to be keen on a switch to either Arsenal or French giants Paris Saint-Germain, but with his representatives holding talks with Chelsea, the Blues appear to be in pole position to conclude a deal.

A number of other Premier League clubs are thought to be monitoring the situation, including QPR, Tottenham and Liverpool.

Despite Ba and Papiss Cisse appearing to struggle as a partnership this term, the ex-West Ham man has still managed to net 13 goals in all competitions.

Newcastle may use the fee received from any deal to push through a move for Lille full-back Mathieu Debuchy.