DEMBA Ba is growing increasingly frustrated with his representatives' attempts to tout him to alternative employers this summer, increasing hopes that he will remain at Newcastle United beyond the end of the transfer window.

Ba, whose future is uncertain because of the existence of a £7m buyout clause in his contract, has been linked with a growing number of clubs in recent weeks.

The likes of Tottenham, Galatasaray and Fenerbahce have all been credited with an interest in the Senegal international, although Newcastle officials are still to receive a single formal offer for his services.

The Magpies hierarchy believe Ba's name is being distributed around clubs by his various representatives, who stand to earn up to £3m if he leaves St James' Park this summer. Like a number of overseas players, Ba has a large group of associates who claim to be representing him in his affairs.

There is a growing sense of urgency to their dealings, as it is understood that Ba's buyout clause expires on July 31, meaning there is little more than a month in which a cut-price deal can take place.

The unknown quantity all summer has been Ba's position, and as he prepares to return to work following a summer break, Newcastle boss Alan Pardew will make a frank discussion with the striker his number one priority.

He is hopeful of receiving a positive response as Ba is known to have grown increasingly frustrated with the constant speculation linking him with a move away from Tyneside.

Sources close to the 27-year-old claim he has not been agitating for a transfer and would like to stay at Newcastle for at least another season.

Ba scored 16 goals in 34 matches last term, and while he was disappointed to be moved to the left flank in the latter stages of the campaign to accommodate Papiss Cisse, he is happy with his blossoming partnership with his compatriot.

He is unhappy with some of the unsolicited discussions that have taken place behind his back and is hoping to conclusively resolve his situation before the start of pre-season training.

Meanwhile, German third division side FC Chemnitz have claimed they will host a pre-season friendly with Newcastle on Friday, July 13.