Striker still keen on England switch

The Potters backed out of the deal for the 25-year-old Senegal international at the weekend but he insists he does not have a major problem and that other clubs are still interested.

 

"Unfortunately they (Stoke) didn't want to take a risk. It wasn't that much but they were a little afraid and they just said it wasn't going to happen," Ba told Sky Sports News.

 

"I was really surprised and I thought I would pass the medical easily as I played all the games in the first half of the season, but this is football.

 

"I know my club Hoffenheim are dealing with clubs in the Premier League and I am just waiting to see now but I know I can play for the rest of my career without much of a problem."

 

The Stoke move could still be revived, with the club reportedly interested in a potential loan deal, while West Ham have also been linked with the striker.

 

Ba, who began his professional career at Watford in 2004, has been a big success for Hoffenheim and is the Bundesliga club's leading scorer this season with six goals.

Source: PA

Source: PA