Does this striker hold the key to the Champions League and where is he heading?

Chelsea have trigged a release clause in Demba Ba's Newcastle contract, having put in a £7m bid that allows them to talk with the Senegalese striker.

It's far from a done deal, however, and with other Premier League clubs interested - notably the three London clubs battling for a top four place - should Ba leave Tyneside this January which club would best suit him? We take a look at his options.

Arsenal
The Gunners are crying out for proven reinforcements in attack if they are to keep up their impressive record of Champions League qualification, but Arsene Wenger's recent decision to play Theo Walcott as a striker may have affected any chance of a move for Ba. Should Arsenal go for the African attacker, it would undoubtedly put Walcott's nose out of joint at a time when the Gunners are hoping he will sign a new deal. Ba's wage demands could also prove a problem for Arsenal, with the Newcastle striker reportedly looking for around £100,000-a-week - a salary that would place him second only to Lukas Podolski and well above Jack Wilshere and Alex Oxlade-chamberlain, who recently signed improved deals at the Emirates. On top of that, Arsenal would need to trim away some of their fringe players, such as Marouane Chamakh, in order to accommodate Ba.
Verdict: Doesn't look like this is Gunner happen

Tottenham
Spurs are looking good for a Champions League place, but will be mindful of their post-Christmas slide from a similar position last year and could avoid a repeat by bolstering their forward line with Ba. Andre Villas-Boas is able to call upon an in-form Jermain Defoe and Gareth Bale provides his fair share of goals from midfield, but Emmanuel Adebayor has been disappointing and could be absent on Africa Cup of Nations duty later this month. Spurs will be monitoring Ba's situation, but may look elsewhere, including Barcelona's David Villa (see the transfer story here: talksport.co.uk/sports-news).
Verdict: Still possible Ba could be Daniel Levy's latest last minute deal

QPR
The struggling Rs should not be discounted as a destination for want-away Senegalese striker Ba, with a combination of Tony Fernandes' reckless spending, panic over potential relegation and Harry Redknapp's love of a transfer coming together to seal the deal. QPR's dismal form has seen them amass just 10 points this season and with long-term injuries to Bobby Zamora and Andrew Johnson, Harry Redknapp will need to recruit another goalscorer in January if he is to have any hope of saving the club from relegation. Ba could be the perfect acquisition, having scored 13 Premier League goals already this season, but it would take silly wages and a lack of offers from elsewhere to make this happen.
Verdict: Harry might enjoy winding down his car window to discuss this deal, but that's as far as it will go

Chelsea
The European champions are in pole position to land Ba, having already placed a bid and he seems to be exactly what Chelsea need right now. Although Ba would likely play second fiddle to Fernando Torres, Chelsea are seriously short of options in attack; a situation only worsened by the sale of Daniel Sturridge. Ba's ability to lead the line as a loan striker, as well as playing alongside a partner is an attractive prospect for most managers and the Blues have been crying out for an alternative to Torres since Didier Drogba's departure at the end of last season. Outside of Manchester United and Manchester City, Ba couldn't wish to join a better Premier League team and the Manchester clubs have no interest in his signature whatsoever.
Verdict: Blue looks the most likely colour for Demba Ba

Newcastle
Demba Ba's best option may still be to stay put, at least for the remainder of the season. Newcastle have provided him with the perfect platform to show his talents as a player, and he has enjoyed an impressive 18 months since his switch from West Ham. Ba is surrounded by a team who already understand him and play to his strengths, eradicating any worries about settling in with a new group of players. Toon boss Alan Pardew has confirmed that a contract is on the table should Ba want it - why rock the boat when things have been going so well?
Verdict: Contract negotiations aren't always black and white, but in this case they still could be

Where should Demba Ba go in January? Should the striker seek a move, or should he stay at Newcastle? Let us know your thoughts by commenting below...