But those close to the Senegalese striker don't believe he would return to Tyneside because he wants Champions League football.
The 28-year-old has struggled at Chelsea, but Jose Mourinho has started him in recent matches.
Ba himself is said to be ready to leave to get his career back on track, which has alerted Newcastle.
But the news in London is that Ba could go to France.
Ba cost Chelsea £7m last year, and he is likely to be available for that figure this summer.