West Ham have signed Senegal international striker Demba Ba from Bundesliga side Hoffenheim.

The 25-year-old agreed to the switch last week but the move was delayed while the two clubs hammered out the terms of the deal.

Originally mooted as a loan deal, Ba has now signed for the Upton Park club - who are bottom of the English Premier League - on a permanent basis until 2014.

"It was a long story but now I'm happy because it had a really good end and I am glad to be here," Ba said.

"I'm going to give everything to West Ham United. I have made the move to West Ham and I'm very happy. I'm definitely excited to be playing in the Premier League."

"I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement. I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates."

"I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join this team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support."

Ba has scored six goals from 15 starts this season for Hoffenheim, and is the third addition to Avram Grant's squad this transfer window after the arrivals of Wayne Bridge on loan from Manchester City and Gary O'Neil from Middlesbrough.