West Ham prepared to top the charts with Song permanently

Rumours are circulating that West Ham are prepared to equal their transfer record to tie down loan signing Alex Song on a £15m deal as soon as January.

Described by Sam Allardyce as West Ham’s answer to Yaya Toure, Song has been an influential member of the Hammers midfield both going forward and in his defensive responsibilities.

The regard in which he is held at the Boleyn was obvious when he was handed the captain’s armband against QPR on just his fourth appearance for the club.

But it hasn’t been just when he has had the armband that he has led by example.

Allardyce expressed how his influence has been integral to the club’s current successes after West Ham’s shock victory over Manchester City: “When you have got quality players, quality players look forward to the big games. Alex Song led us as a team and the rest of the lads responded.”

According to WhoScored.com, the Cameroon international has made more dribbles than any of his team-mates, and has only been out-tackled by Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate. Coupled with an 80% pass completion rate, and he could be just the man the Hammers need in the centre of the park long-term.

The 27-year-old moved to east London in August on a season-long loan from Barcelona, and is reportedly delighted to be back in the capital.

To secure his signature on a permanent basis may require David Gold and David Sullivan to dig deep, with the Catalan giants looking to recoup at least the £15m they paid Arsenal for Song two years ago.

And with Financial Fair Play rearing its head, the Londoners may have to lose one or two players from their books to afford such a deal. There are a few candidates to go, with Ravel Morrison seemingly finding it difficult to break into the first team on a regular basis, and Ricardo Vaz Te and Carlton Cole set to have an even bigger fight to feature with Andy Carroll’s imminent return.

But it’s not just this news that will provide encouragement to Hammers fans this week.

The ongoing saga regarding Winston Reid’s expiring contract has apparently taken a turn for the good for the claret and blues.

The Daily Star are reporting that Reid’s agent has claimed that the New Zealand international is days away from signing on at the club until 2019.

Should the Kiwi sign on the dotted line, West Ham fans can continue to look forward to what promises to be a bright future for the Hammers.

All odds and markets correct as of date of publishing

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