Middlesbrough last night accepted an undisclosed offer for Gary O'Neil and confirmed they have given the Hammers permission to talk to the 27-year-old.

A statement from the npower Championship side read: "Boro have accepted an undisclosed bid from Premier League club West Ham for midfielder Gary O'Neil.

"The Hammers have been given permission to discuss personal terms with the former Portsmouth man."

O'Neil joined Boro in a £5million switch from Portsmouth in August 2007 under former boss Gareth Southgate.

He could be set to team up with Ba at Upton Park after the Hoffenheim striker claimed he was joining the Londoners until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old said the two clubs had agreed a six-month loan deal.

"I'm really happy that the clubs have reached an agreement," Ba said on his personal website, www.demba-ba.eu.

"I was eager to join the club and meet my new team-mates. I'd like to thank Hoffenheim for allowing me to join that team. I thank my family and all my fans for their support."

The Senegal international had earlier this month appeared set for a move to Stoke, only for the deal to fall through because of a failed medical.