Former West Ham United midfielder Alex Song could become a free agent.
According to Sky Sports, midfielder Alex Song could be about to leave Rubin Kazan on a free transfer after not being paid for four months.
The Russian side are enduring a financial meltdown right now, and that means that ex-Premier League players such as Song and Yann M’Vila could be planning their escapes.
If Song does leave Rubin on a free transfer, then Premier League clubs may be willing to offer him a return to English football in 2018, with West Ham certainly in the market for another midfielder.
Song, 30, spent two seasons on loan with the Hammers between 2014 and 2016, starring in his first season before struggling in his second, which ultimately led to West Ham deciding not to pursue a permanent deal.
The Cameroon ace, formerly of Arsenal and Barcelona, could be an appealing option for West Ham if they believe they can get him back to the form of his first season with the Hammers, though that is almost four years ago now.
With Pedro Obiang and Cheikhou Kouyate flattering to deceive, and Mark Noble failing to impress new manager David Moyes so far, another holding midfielder appears to be a top target for West Ham in January, with Sporting’s William Carvalho still linked.
Whilst Carvalho would cost a club-record fee, signing Song on a free transfer – either alternatively or as well as Carvalho – could be a smart, low-cost move for the Hammers, adding depth to Moyes’ options in the middle of the park.
A short-term deal until the end of the season could work out well, giving Song a chance to rebuild his career ahead of the summer transfer window, and if he does leave Rubin Kazan on a free transfer, West Ham should at least consider re-signing him for nothing.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
