• Premier League

Demba Ba move almost wrapped up - Grant

ESPNsoccernet staff
January 25, 2011
Demba Ba could soon be arriving at Upton Park © PA Photos
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West Ham's high profile signing of £7 million-rated striker Demba Ba from Hoffenheim on loan is ''nearly done'', according to manager Avram Grant.

ESPNsoccernet can reveal a row over Ba's insurance held up the deal but, after the player said that he was excited to link up with his new Hammers team-mates on his personal website, manager Avram Grant has revealed that the deal is close to completion.

"I like Ba's comments,'' Grant added. "It is always good when a player wants to come and join our club. I think he is doing the right thing. We are a good club and he can help us. It is almost done."

Ba failed a medical at Stoke and, as a consequence, his transfer fell through. The same fitness concerns also showed up when he had his medical tests with the Hammers, but the club considered it worth the "gamble" to take him on loan.

Now the transfer is subject to a satisfactory agreement between the two clubs on his insurance policy and who covers the costs. Hoffenheim also want a £500,000 loan fee for the forward.

An insider told ESPNsoccernet: "Ba has failed the medical, which means any club signing him is gambling. The problem is that his club [Hoffenheim] want West Ham to insure him against permanent retirement, and no company will insure his bad knee for that."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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