WEST HAM target Demba Ba has gone on strike at Bundesliga club Hoffenheim in an attempt to push through a reported £6million move to Upton Park, according to the Daily Mail.

The newspaper reported that the Senegal international striker refused to join up with the team for a winter training camp in Malaga, and ignored demands from Hoffenheim's managing director Ernst Tanner to catch a later flight.

Tanner told the Daily Mail that a number of punishments are being considered, including forcing the player to see out the remainder of his two-and-a-half-year deal without playing. He is quoted as saying: “Yes, it's true he has refused to go to La Manga, even though we demanded he catch a flight and join up with his team-mates.

“I have told him he will have to face the consequences. It could be a fine or we could throw him out altogether and make him see out his contract without playing.”

The Hammers are rumoured to be keen on signing the striker, who has been in fine form this season.