I think he was asked directly in an interview and had he lied it would have still came out, so to be honest about Ba's contract was his only move. I am not to convinced there is that much interest in Demba though, he banged in plenty last season and no club offered the £7.5m, the knee issue should not matter as he has proven his fitness here, not sure what it is that seems to be putting clubs off.
Probably (if whats been said is true) the fee paid for him would put his insurance at a high cost, along with wage demands and agent fees.
Looks to be fairly pricey unless you get him for a free like we did.