Isn't Demba Ba the reason that he's leaving though? He wouldn't have signed without the initial clause and seemed to only want to negotiate a new contract which had a clause in. I doubt it was MA/DL who said let's put a clause in your contract so that if you play really well we'll only get a small fee.
Article basically says he's close to joining Liverpool but staying with Valenciennes until the end of the season. We are also interested and they need to sell at least 1 player this transfer window.
Lad I know who works in a restaurant in London spotted Allardyce meeting with Chamakh and his representatives tonight and Harry Redknapp meeting with Kranjcar and his people.