Hammers still targeting Song deal

Joint-Chairman David Sullivan says West Ham United remain hopeful of signing Alex Song from Barcelona this summer
West Ham United Joint-Chairman David Sullivan has revealed the Club are still hoping to sign Alex Song from Barcelona this summer.

Song was one of the key players for the Hammers in the first half of last season and played an instrumental role in helping the Club rise into the top four of the Barclays Premier League before Christmas.

The former Arsenal midfielder enjoyed his season-long loan at the Boleyn Ground and Mr Sullivan hopes he will want to pledge his long-term future to West Ham.

Despite the arrival of Pedro Obiang from Sampdoria this week, Mr Sullivan says they are still looking to bring in more top-quality midfielders to bolster the squad before the start of the 2015/16 season.

“I can assure you we have not given up on Alex Song yet,” said the Joint-Chairman, who believes new manager Slaven Bilic could tease the very best out of the Cameroon star.

“Before Christmas Alex was outstanding and if we believe we can get him back to that sort of form and maybe with a new manager we can, we would very much like Alex to come.

“We are very thin on the ground with midfielders. You do get injuries and you need back-up. We have got Europe and other games that we want to win.

“There was not enough competition for places last season and this year we don't want the same again. If the players have a bad game they will have to fight for their position back.”