Demba Ba trailed by Sunderland and Everton after activating release clause

Sunderland and Everton will step up their attempts to sign Demba Ba after he activated a clause in his contract allowing him to leave West Ham on a free transfer.

The 25-year-old only arrived at Upton Park in January and made just 13 appearances for the Hammers, scoring 7 goals.
The details of his transfer from Hoffenheim were undisclosed, with the fee heavily dependent on Ba’s appearances, but following West Ham’s relegation, the Senegalese striker has decided to walk away from east London, paving the way for the Black Cats and Toffees to make their move.
Ba is believed to be earning close to £45,000 per-week at the Hammers, which may put off potential suitors, as would his medical record, which scuppered his move to Stoke before West Ham came in.
But with David Moyes and Steve Bruce desperately short of firepower, they may be forced into taking a gamble on the 6ft 2in hot-shot.