West Ham targret Demba Ba goes on strike at Hoffenheim

05 January 2011 03:03
EXCLUSIVE West Ham target Demba Ba went on strike yesterday in an effort to force through a £6million move to Upton Park. [LNB]The Senegal striker, 25, shocked his Hoffenheim bosses, and could be fined, after confronting them over their reluctance to negotiate with the London club. [LNB]Hoffenheim managing director Ernst Tanner ordered Ba to join him on a flight to La Manga, 24 hours after the rest of the squad travelled there for a winter training camp. But he had to concede defeat, after the former Watford junior said he was staying at home.[LNB] Wanted man: Demba Ba is being tracked by Blackburn and West Ham[LNB]Tanner confirmed that Ba, who has scored 37 goals in 93 games forHoffenheim, had withdrawn his labour to try to force their hand overWest Ham's interest and warned he could be docked a fortnight's pay. [LNB]In a sign that the Bundesliga side are ready to get tough with therebel, he added that they may even explore ways of putting his careeron hold for the two and a half years left on his contract.[LNB]Help needed: Avram Grant has West Ham moving in the right direction but it could easily turn sour[LNB]'Yes, it's true he has refused to go to La Manga, even though wedemanded he catch a flight and join up with his teammates,' said theHoffenheim boss. 'I have told him he will have to face theconsequences. It could be a fine or we couldthrow him out altogether and make him see out his contract without playing.'[LNB]West Ham believe 6ft 2in Ba can help them continue their climb awayfrom the foot of the Barclays Premier League and approached Hoffenheimwith a loan request, with a view to a £6million permanent deal at theend of the season.[LNB]Although the German club's response was lukewarm, at best, Ba has demonstrated his eagerness to join Avram Grant's side. [LNB]His lawyer Ran Ronen said: 'It does seem Demba could move, and he'dlike it to be to the Premier League. West Ham came up with a bid, but,at the moment, Hoffenheim do not appear to be working on it.' [LNB]Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is still hoping to convince formerEngland boss Peter Taylor to join him as No 2 at St James' Park,despite his surprise U-turn. The Premier League giants and Taylor'sLeague Two side Bradford City had agreed a compensation package for theformer England Under 21 coach to become Pardew's assistant.[LNB]But Taylor said yesterday: 'I have a lot of respect for Alan and forNewcastle, but I just really didn't want to break my commitment here atBradford.'[LNB] [LNB] Blackburn join West Ham in race for £10m-rated Hoffenheim striker BaWest Ham 2 Wolves 0: Sears strike eases Hammers relegation fears West Ham should move into Olympic Stadium... not Spurs, claims CoeAll the latest West Ham news, features and opinion[LNB]  Explore more:People: Peter Taylor Places: Newcastle

Source: Daily_Mail