CHN Links: Demba Ba Decision "Deadline", Vurnon Anita as LB and Yohan Cabaye At The Euros

Perhaps it is my timing, or perhaps the news really is slow around Newcastle United this morning- either way, there's not a lot going on in black and white on the black and whites. With most eyes cast east as Euro 2012 rolls on, stories at home seem to be at a stand still (Unless, you know, you hold high ranking government posts as Secretary of Commerce John Bryson and British Prime Minister David Cameron have made the news today for fun reasons)

In a very very brief links post today, Demba Ba nears Decision Day (allegedly), Vurnon Anita is being targeted as a LB and doesn't necessarily signal the departure of Cheik Tiote and a discussion with Yohan Cabaye by UEFA.com.

Demba Ba facing decision day at Newcastle United - NUFC News - Newcastle United - ChronicleLive

As ever United are keeping their cards close to their chest when it comes to incoming faces. However, FC Twente star Luuk De Jong and Montpellier man Olivier Giroud are still thought to be on Newcastle’s hit-list. Senegal international Ba has yet to notify the Magpies of a decision on his future. It is widely known that Ba’s contract contains a £7m release clause which can be activated until July 31 – after which time Newcastle can then demand whatever fee they wish for the 16-goal star. But the Chronicle understands that United want to know exactly what Ba – targeted by Tottenham Hotspur and Chelsea – plans to do before Alan Pardew’s squad regroup for pre-season training on July 5.

Demba Ba was a revelation for Newcastle United at the beginning of the season- but as the games ticked by, it became more and more evident that a productive Double Demba pairing in which both players score on a regular basis may not be something that will occur. For me, I'm not certain I would be crushed if Demba ends up moving on. There. I've said it.

Vurnon Anita talks don't mean Tiote will be cashed in - NUFC News - NUFC - JournalLive

Anita is understood to be keen on a switch to Tyneside, where he would primarily fill the left-back role rather than Tioté’s central midfield slot. Although the chances of a deal appear encouraging, United have already illustrated that they will walk away from a transfer if they don’t feel they are getting value for money. And the Magpies want to tie up a deal for less than the £7million quoted over the weekend for a player they have a long-standing interest in.

If you believe everything you read, the club are apparently troubled at how slow Davide Santon was to come around in his inaugural season on Tyneside and are looking to move him to right back in order to help him shore up his defensive responsibilities which of course means that we're bereft of left back options again (save for Ryan Taylor who may seem more likely to move back into the midfield reckoning)... so of course Vurnon Anita is being brought in as a left back.

Inside the mind of Yohan Cabaye – UEFA.com

Yohan Cabaye has emerged as a key figure for France in recent months and is poised to play a central role in Monday's Group D opener against England. The 25-year-old Newcastle United FC midfielder spoke to UEFA.com about Laurent Blanc's methods, his admiration for Steven Gerrard and Xavi Hernández, and the importance of winning the midfield battle at the Donbass Arena

For Internationally tracking Toon fans, today is the big day as France take on England- for my part, I will likely have to miss out as today sees me returning to work in my new location... so enjoy, my friends!