Chelsea Agree Demba Ba Move to Besiktas

Besiktas have agreed terms in principle to complete the signing of Demba Ba from Chelsea for a fee of around £8m, the Turkish club confirmed.

The striker had been expected to depart west London this summer after struggling to secure regular football at Chelsea during his season and a half at Stamford Bridge - following his move from Newcastle United in January 2013. After Chelsea bolstered their attacking line-up with Diego Costa, Ba's days at the club appeared numbered.

It continues a summer exodus at Stamford Bridge after Samuel Eto'o departed on the expiration of his short contract and Ashley Cole's move to AS Roma in Italy's Serie A. However, Jose Mourinho still has Fernando Torres and Romelu Lukaku in his ranks.

Although the futures of the Spaniard and Belgium youngster are also up in the air some reports recently claimed Mourinho was keen on having Didier Drogba back at Stamford Bridge – leaving no place for Ba.

Besiktas has now confirmed they have agreed terms to complete the signing of Ba - while posting his picture on its official website wearing a Besiktas shirt.

Ba had already said earlier this summer that he was likely to move away to look for more playing time.

"I miss the continuity. I'm a footballer and I want to play. That is what I want for next season. My agent has spoken with the club and I am going to start discussing a contract for next season with other teams," he said.

"I hope to be able to find the best solution possible. I'd like to stay in England, but I am also interested in other leagues. I'd like to try Serie A, but at the moment there is nothing concrete. There are some teams in Italy who play great football though."