Pardew plays down rift rumours

A Premier League manager has sought to clear up rumours of a rift between himself and one of his star players.

Newcastle manager Alan Pardew has insisted there is no rift between himself and Demba Ba after the Senegal striker expressed his displeasure at starting on the substitute's bench for the Magpies' game against Everton on Monday.

Ba's agent later suggested that Ba may have to consider his future at the club if his playing time was limited this season.

However, according to the BBC, Pardew has sought to play down rumours of a rift between himself and the player and insists there is a good relationship between the pair.

Ba's brother Hamady wrote on Twitter that the decision to leave the striker out on Monday was “crazy” while agent Alex Gontran said that if Ba is a substitute all season other options will need to be looked at.

For more Football Blogs and opinion from football fans around the world