West Ham United have signed Senegal striker Demba Ba on a new contract till 2014. The 25-year-old joins the Hammers from Hoffenheim after he announced on his website earlier this week that he would be joining on a six-month loan.

Ba has scored six times for the Bundesliga club this season and has 40 goals in 103 appearances overall.

“It was a long story but now I’m happy because it had a really good end and I am glad to be here,” he said.

West Ham United manager Avram Grant has said that he wants to maintain the focus for this team despite the recent good form. The Hammers, who host the Blues in Tuesday’s first leg at 1945 GMT live on BBC Two, have been linked with a move for ex-Blackburn boss Sam Allardyce.

Grant said: “I have answered about this a thousand times. We are here because of a semi-final, a big game.

“My position is clear. I am the manager and will do my best for the club.”