FWIW despite all of the speculation of "he would go to QPR if they came in for him!" there's been nothing to suggest this at all, the only facts we know are that he is/was in discussions with Chelsea, the European Champions.
I imagine Pardew will ask Ba if he's head's right and Ba will say aye and that he wants to play.
The only other option in Pardew's mind will be Cisse right wing, Obertan left, and Shola Ameobi through the centre. If that happens I'll whitey.
Again though we are playing a 4-2-3-1 at the moment and seems the best fit for the majority of the team from an attacking point of view.
How would buying another CF who can't operate in either flank make any sense?
Read it again you dork.
Why, I cannot blame Ba for any of this and he's put 100% in every game he's played for us. He made it pretty clear what his motivations and intentions were when he signed for us and we happily agreed and stuck this daft clause in.
I would have remained completely calm in the situation, explaining rationally to Steven exactly where he has went wrong, and what could be done to improve on his passing in the future.
Buying a striker now would alleviate so many problems. It's such a simple solution but alas...
Well, aye...
But we won't unless Ba goes. This isn't Pardew's fault.