Chelsea hold talks over move for Alex Song

West Ham want to sign Barcelona midfielder but could face challenge from champions or even Manchester City.

West Ham United are trying to convince Barcelona to let them sign Alex Song on a free transfer, although talks have also taken place over a potential switch to Chelsea.

Barca are believed to have valued Song at around £5million, but the Hammers have suggested that they sign the midfielder for free and take on his entire £70,000-a-week wages.

Song still has two years to run on his Barca contract and the Spanish club face the prospect of paying a share of his current salary for that period if no club is willing to match it.

Chelsea and Manchester City have also shown interest in Song due to his status as a home-grown player, but it is unclear whether or not the two clubs are willing to pay a fee.

West Ham are willing to offer Song a three-year contract on his £70,000-a-week wages if they can convince Barca to let him go for free or drop the asking price.

Song spent last season on loan at West Ham and was superb during the first half of last season. But the 27-year-old’s performances, along with the team’s, dipped after Christmas.

New West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has already shared his plans and vision for the club with Song in an attempt to convince him to join permanently.

There is also interest in Song from Italy, but it is believed the player would prefer to stay in England and, in particular, London. Along with Chelsea and City, Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur are monitoring his situation.

Other than negotiating with Barca over Song, West Ham are growing increasingly confident of completing the signing of playmaker Dimitri Payet from Marseille.

France international Payet created more goals than any other player in Ligue One last season, with 16 assists.

West Ham may have to wait until the end of European Under-21 Championships to find out whether right-back Carl Jenkinson will return to the club on loan or go to Sunderland.

The Hammers are due to start pre-season training on Monday because of their early Europa League start and Bilic is taking the squad to Ireland for a training camp.