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Newcastle United were last night told they must raise the stakes if they want to re-sign Demba Ba on loan.

Sources in the capital have indicated United opened up with an offer of £1m to bring the Senegal star back to Tyneside on a season long deal.

It is believed that Ba is trying to stay open-minded about his future but said recently: “All players want to play – not only centre-forwards.

“We will see what happens in the next few weeks.”

Chelsea signed the African striker from Newcastle back in January after activating the release clause in his contract and he left for £7m.

But the player has been told by returning Chelsea gaffer Jose Mourinho that he is surplus to requirements this season.

The Magpies have been told to almost treble their opening offer for a loan deal for Ba with a fee of around £3m required to land his signature for the season. United recently paid a £2m fee for Loic Remy to sign the striker from Queens Park Rangers.

However, Chelsea have also offered Ba around to a host of clubs in Europe and the Premier League for a transfer fee of £10m, an offer also available to United.

Newcastle have also not called time on a move for Lyon striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

The Chronicle reported first last Friday that the Magpies were back in the hunt for the France international after Lyon indicated they were willing to listen to fresh offers following the Ligue 1’s side Champions League loss to Real Sociedad in the first leg of their qualifying round.

The Spanish outfit polished off Lyon last night to complete a 4-0 aggregate scoreline meaning the cash-strapped outfit are now trying to make ends meet financially after being knocked out last before the money spinning group stages.

Meanwhile, United had not received any further offers for Yohan Cabaye last night from Arsenal.