‘London factor’ to swing midfielder’s decision

Everton will need to do a “massive persuasion job” on Alex Song if – as reported they are trying to sign the Barcelona defensive midfielder.

Reports have been circulating for several days that the merseyside outfit are keen to get involved in a tug of war with the Irons for the player.

But the Hammers take the view that these stories are more a case of Barcelona hoping to get a fee for the player who is currently recovering from ankle injury.

The Toffees have been reported as being ready to stump up a fee for the player whilst the Irons – giving the injury worries – want to offer him a year’s deal with Barca indicating they are ready to accept he leaves on a free transfer.

However, the Irons remain big favourites as ‘the London factor ‘ has always been big in his and his family’s minds.

His wife wants to stay in the capital and that was one of the big attractions of West Ham in the first place and the player himself has said in the past it’s a big factor.

The Hammers are looking at short term loan options whilst they wait for Song to fully recover.

A Hammers source told ClaretandHugh exclusively: “It’s a major thing in the lives of the Song family and we have to remember that Manchester City were also linked with him. It’s the usual stuff going on.”