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Bastia announced a couple of days ago that they were close to completing the signing of El-Hadji Ba on loan with a view to a permanent move and now Sunderland have confirmed that the deal has been completed.
Ba had impressed during Sunderland's pre-season and it was thought he would get a chance to be a member of the first team squad but the arrival of Jack Rodwell pushed the 21-year-old further down the pecking order and, with Gus Poyet still hoping to add another central midfielder to the ranks, the club have allowed Ba to join Claude Makelele's Bastia.
The season-long loan deal is with a view to a permanent move and although he has initially gone to gain experience, it's thought Sunderland would be willing to sell the player to Makelele's side if they can turn a profit. Ba will join up with former Sunderland striker Djibril Cisse who signed for Bastia in January.
Alfred N'Diaye is expected to follow Ba through the exit door, with tonight's opponent's Real Betis still hoping to convince the Senegalese midfielder to drop down the Spanish second division after the Segunda Division side agreed a deal with Sunderland that would see N'Diaye return to Betis after a successful loan spell last season.
Stay tuned to Roker Report throughout the summer as we keep you up to date with all the transfer news and rumours. Also, feel free to keep in touch with our dedicated Transfer Centre, which you can do by CLICKING HERE.
