Hoffenheim owner Dietmar Hopp has told striker Demba Ba to forget about his dream move to Stuttgart and honour the contract he signed two years ago.

The Senegalese forward has been linked with a move to Stuttgart, who he claims have already approached his agent, but Hopp reinforced the stance taken by Hoffenheim's director of sport Jan Schindelmeiser by ruling out a sale.

"We are not selling Ba and let that be the end of it," he said. "Anybody in the world who signs a contract must stick to it and what he is doing now is simply not on."

The 24-year-old's contract with Hoffenheim expires in 2011, but he is one of Stuttgart's targets to replace Mario Gomez, who is moving to Bayern Munich.

I am looking for a new challenge and Stuttgart would give me the chance to prove myself again.
Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba

As soon as Ba learned of Stuttgart's interest, he claimed his heart was set on a move.

"[Hoffenheim coach] Ralf Rangnick has told me that he will not let me go. I respect the coach, but he is going to be disappointed," he said. "I hope that we can find a compromise and end this issue quickly.

"Hoffenheim no longer figures in my thoughts," Ba said. "I am looking for a new challenge and Stuttgart would give me the chance to prove myself again."