LONDON (Reuters) – Demba Ba has completed his transfer to Chelsea for an undisclosed fee on a 3-1/2-year contract, the club’s website (www.chelseaafc.com) said on Friday.

The former Newcastle striker, who is the joint third highest Premier League goal scorer this season, will be eligible for Chelsea’s FA Cup tie at Southampton on Saturday the club said.

Newcastle United's Demba Ba watches the ball during their English Premier League match against Stoke City in Newcastle, northern England April 21, 2012. REUTERS/Nigel Roddis

"It feels good to be here, I’m very happy and very proud," the 27-year-old Senegalese forward said.

"When the club who won the Champions League wants you, the decision is very easy. This club is massive and that’s something that helped the decision a lot. It was not a hard one."

Chelsea are currently fourth in the Premier League after losing at home to bottom club Queens Park Rangers on Wednesday.

(Reporting by Stephen Eisenhammer; Editing by John Mehaffey)

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