Going for a Song: Chelsea and Man City may move for Hammers loanee

Barcelona-owned anchorman Alex Song is expected be at the centre of a transfer scramble this summer, with Premier League rivals Chelsea (13/8 with Coral to win the 2015/16 Premier League) and Manchester City (5/2) now set to throw their hats into the ring and compete for his signature.

The ex-Arsenal midfield shield, currently impressing on loan with West Ham United, is unlikely to make a permanent transfer to Upton Park, with Italian giants Roma, AC Milan and Inter Milan all said to be tracking the 27-year-old.

Song’s status as a homegrown player, having joined the Gunners back in 2005 as a 17-year-old and then spending eight seasons in England, is apparently key to the Blues and Citizens’ interest, as both clubs seek to improve their quota.

Strong on the ball, and blessed with technique as well as a tenacious tackle, Song’s ability to read the game and retain possession would certainly appeal to Jose Mourinho. ‘The Special One’ has been forced to field an often subpar John Obi Mikel or young centre back Kurt Zouma in front of his back four at times when Nemanja Matic was unavailable.

Song would likely only be a squad player a Stamford Bridge, however, with Serbian enforcer Matic undoubtedly first-choice to partner Spanish schemer Cesc Fabregas, another ex-Arsenal and Barca star.

The former 49-capped Cameroon international has, however, enjoyed a renaissance this campaign, and was integral to the Hammers’ high-flying start to the term, so may be looking to cement a first team place.

City are also said to be circling, and will also likely require an injection of home-reared talent, with hard-working midfielder James Milner reportedly ready to leave on a free transfer.

After exiting Arsenal in 2012, Song endured a tough stint in Spain with Barca (odds-on at 4/11 to lift the Champions League) and the Catalans are expected to allow him to depart either on loan again or permanently, for a cut-price fee of around £6m, despite being restricted by a transfer ban.