Alan Pardew has criticised Demba Ba’s network of advisers, claiming they do not represent the unsettled striker’s best interests.

The Newcastle forward has been strongly linked with a transfer away from St James’ Park this January, and Chelsea have already held talks with the Senegal international’s representatives on Sunday night.

Although the meeting was later described as unproductive, the £7m release clause in the 27-year-old’s Magpies contract is due to become active again on Tuesday.

As a bid for Ba’s services seems likely, Toon boss Pardew has admitted his unhappiness with how the striker’s contract negotiations have been handled and he wants a swift resolution to what has been an unhelpful transfer saga for the club and its supporters.

"In some respects, I feel a little bit sorry for Demba as well," Pardew told The Guardian, "because I think people who are representing him are not actually representing him.

"There are people out there who are saying this who are not actually involved or want to be involved, and that's the sort of world we are in.

"The contract is what it is, we are all aware of that, and for me as the manager I need it resolved as quickly as possible. That's the best situation for our fans and for the club."

In recent months Newcastle have tried to negotiate a new contract with Ba which would remove the release clause, and their offer remains on the table.

However, Pardew insisted it would not be there forever: "The situation with that is that it's getting close to the point where we say 'no more', but the offer is still there."