Ba: I'm heading to Hammers

24 January 2011 19:00
Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba has claimed he is joining West Ham until the end of the season. The 25-year-old said the two clubs had agreed a six-month loan deal. "I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement," Ba said on www.demba-ba.eu. "I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join that team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support." The website reported that, after signing his contract in the morning, Ba was due to train with his new team-mates in the afternoon. The Senegal international had earlier this month appeared set for a move to Stoke only for the deal to fall through because of a failed medical. The Hammers are also reported to be close to signing Middlesbrough midfielder Gary O'Neil as they look to bolster their squad for the fight against relegation from the Barclays Premier League. The 27-year-old, who started his career at Portsmouth, has been at the Riverside since 2007.

Source: PA