Demba Ba's Newcastle exit appears imminent after Chelsea triggered the release clause in the striker's contract.
The Blues have been given permission to talk to the 27-year-old Senegalese after meeting the £7m figure stipulated in the deal when he joined the Magpies in 2011.
Ba has been withdrawn from the Newcastle squad for Wednesday's Barclays Premier League clash with Everton at St James' Park as a result.
Ba scored twice in what could be his last Magpies appearance at Arsenal
A club statement read:
"Newcastle United can confirm that Chelsea Football Club has made an official offer for Demba Ba which has triggered the release clause in the player's contract.
"The club has given the player permission to speak to Chelsea FC and therefore he will not be included in the squad for tonight's game against Everton."
Ba has scored 29 league goals in 54 games for Newcastle since he arrived on a free transfer from West Ham 18 months ago.
He is also the club's highest scorer this season with 13 goals, 10 ahead of second top scorers Papiss Cissé and Hatem Ben Arfa.