According to reports in Portugal newspaper A Bola, Everton have opened talks with Chelsea regarding a loan move for Senegal striker Demba Ba. The story has also been relayed by Italian website TMW.
It is believed that Everton boss Roberto Martinez had earlier pressed Chelsea for a loan deal for Ba, but eventually the London side were happy to offer Belgian striker Romelu Lukaku, who had a stunning season for the Goodsion park outfit.
Lukaku scored 15 goals and grabbed 6 assists in 31 appearances for the Blues from Merseyside as he helped them to finish fifth in the Premier League standings. Martinez was willing to buy Lukaku but Chelsea’s asking price for the 21 year old has put Everton off.
Lukaku was linked for a one year loan deal with La Liga winners Atletico Madrid but the Rojiblancos have now decided not to go ahead with the deal after agreeing to sign Bayern Munich’s Mario Mandzukic.
Ba featured in just five starts under Jose Mourinho last season and it is believed that the former Newcastle United striker doesn’t have a future with the Stamford Bridge outfit. While a loan deal remains the most feasible option, Ba’s wage demands could be a potential hurdle for Everton to acquire the services of teh player for the upcoming 2014-15 season.
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