Newcastle are refusing to be drawn out after both Demba Ba and his agent complained about his role at the club.
Ba came on as a second half substitute and scored both goals, one in the final minute, to salvage a draw against Everton in Monday night's English Premier League game. The Senegal international said after the game he had "not been so happy with some things" at the club. The striker's agent Alex Gontran revealed his client was not disappointed with the way he was being treated at St James' Park.
"Since returning from the Africa Cup of Nations, Demba doesn't understand the management," Gontran told BBC Sport.
"If he continues to be a substitute all season, we'll look at other solutions."
Manager Alan Pardew had used Ba on the left during the second half of last season, after Newcastle bought Papiss Cisse in January. Cisse scored 13 goals from January to May, leaving Ba in the shade after the striker had himself scored 15, before leaving for the African Cup of Nations.
Cisse's form meant, Ba was employed in a less preferred role, to allow his striker partner to play down the middle. Pardew has insisted he will continue to do what is right for the balance of the team, as Newcastle look to improve or at least match last season's fifth-place finish in the English Premier League.
"How could you put your best striker with full confidence on the left wing? The choice to put Demba on the left last season was good for the club because Cisse scored 13 goals," Gontran said.
"But there was a lack of recognition for Demba. It is more difficult to play well when you don't have the confidence of your staff.
"Demba is happy at Newcastle. He is playing in the Premier League with lot of fellow French speakers and he loves the club's supporters.
"He would like to start every game, but he respects the choice of the coach, even if he does not always understand or agree."
Ba, who has been playing more central this season, almost left the club in the summer, after several clubs were rumored to be interested in the striker's signature; Ba reportedly had a £7.5 million ($12.2 million) release clause, which expired before the close of the transfer window.
