West Ham eye up permanent deal for Barca loanee Alex Song

Handed the captain’s armband ahead of the victory over QPR, it could transpire that Alex Song’s stay at West Ham may last longer than his current one-year loan spell.

The Cameroon international has slotted perfectly into the starting XI in east London and looks a vital cog in a (currently) well-oiled Irons machine.

And with the Barcelona starting line-up looking impenetrable should the midfielder return to Catalunya, there is reason to believe an extended return to the capital could be on the cards.

Co-chairman David Gold added fuel to the fire by announcing that he would be looking into the possibility of bringing the former Arsenal man in on a permanent signing.

@ironviews @dhautzig Alex Song is an outstanding player and a great character I would love to sign him permanently. dg

— David Gold (@davidgold) October 6, 2014

The Spanish giants paid around £15m for him back in 2012, but with his contract running down and his place in the first team looking nonexistent, a cut down price could be on the cards.

Should West Ham agree a deal with Barcelona, there is little to suggest that Song himself would be against a move, and frankly there are unlikely to be any better options from England.

The ‘top four’ clubs are unlikely to make a move for him, while a move to Tottenham, for a former Gunner may not be the best idea.

But with regular football at the Boleyn Ground looking assured, the opportunity to enjoy his footballing prime as the focal point of a Hammers midfield could be too good to turn down for the 27-year-old.

He has certainly hit the ground running in the claret and blue, proving adept at putting himself about, providing good cover for the backline while showing the ability to pick out a good pass.

Having totted up 11 assists during his final season at the Emirates, it is obvious what a clear run in a squad could do for his confidence.

Giving him the captaincy against the Rs on Sunday will also go some way to buttering him up ahead of a potential permanent move, with the number 30 stating:

“I have been captain before at Arsenal but it was a privilege to wear the armband against QPR. I know Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble have been captains this season but without them, the manager had to choose someone and it was good he showed the trust in me. I just wanted to return that faith and thank him for that responsibility.”

Next up for Sam Allardyce’s side after the international break is a trip to Burnley, where the away side are priced up at 17/10 to record back-to-back wins for the first time this season.

The influence of Song in the middle of the park is sure to be key for the Upton Park outfit, and at a price of 7/4 for a top 10 finish, it could be wise to place faith in the side currently seventh in the table.

All odds and markets correct as of the date of publishing

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