The odds of Newcastle United striker Demba Ba joining Arsenal in January have plummeted after heavy betting on the transfer on Thursday.

Ba has spoken out this week at his frustration at Newcastle's style of play and has also admitted to being tempted by the speculation linking him with Arsenal.

However, it was after many bets were placed on Thursday that bookmakers started reducing their odds on the move with SkyBet now offering just 1/2.

Another leading bookmaker's odds are similarly short at 4/6, with both offering 6/1 to Liverpool as the next most likely destination.