Ba signs in time for FA Cup debut

Striker Demba Ba is eligible to feature for Chelsea in their FA Cup third round trip to Southampton on Saturday, after completing his move from Newcastle United.

The 27-year-old, who has scored 13 Premier League goals already this season for the Magpies, has signed a three-and-a-half-year contract at Stamford Bridge and could make his debut against the Saints at St Mary's.

A delighted Ba told his new club's official website: "It was important for me and for Newcastle, to get my future sorted and now we can move on.

"Now they have the whole month to buy someone and for me as well, the sooner the better. Now I am here I just need to get settled in.

"When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy.

"This club is massive and that's something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one."

Ba will bring a much-needed goal threat to the Blues squad, who have Fernando Torres as their only recognised striker, with Daniel Sturridge having left to join Liverpool.

Chelsea are 1/5 to move past Southampton into the fourth round of the FA Cup and are 7/1 to go on and win the competition, while they are 13/2 to win the Europa League, for which Ba will be ineligible.

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