Crystal Palace eye Alex Song

Barcelona midfielder Alex Song is being linked with a return to London, with Spanish newspaper Sport claiming that the Cameroon international could well be set for a move to Crystal Palace.

However, Sport is not revealing whether the Eagles want a permanent deal for the former Arsenal star or not. Considering the former Cameroon international's contract at Camp Nou runs out in the summer of 2017, Barcelona are likely to let the midfield enforcer leave on a permanent basis even if they have to settle for a cut-price fee.

If Song is available on a bargain, Crystal Palace shouldn't even think twice and bring the midfielder to Selhurst Park. The 28-year-old moved from Arsenal to Barcelona in 2012 for what was a big-money transfer but he could never impress in a Blaugrana shirt.

After two seasons of disappointment at Camp Nou as an individual, Song had two back to back loan spells with West Ham. The first one was quite successful while the second was absolutely dismal. However, Crystal Palace would benefit if they can bring an experienced player like the Cameroonian despite his poor last season.

In his first season on loan with Hammers, Song did enough to earn a second successive loan spell at the Boleyn Ground but he found it extremely hard to break into the starting XI courtesy of Mark Noble and Cheikhou Kouyate's brilliant partnership in the middle of the park.

His gametime was limited to just 15 appearances this past season having played a total of just 854 minutes in all competitions. Injuries made it even worse for him to shine in a West Ham shirt.

One bad season does not mean that you are a bad player and Song should focus on having a much better next season regardless of which club he plays for. However, it is quite certain that he will never ever feature in a Barcelona shirt again with the wealth of midfield options available to Luis Enrique at Camp Nou. Crystal Palace will be a good option for the Cameroonian to revive his career.

Palace were exposed at the back time and time again this season and the back four should not take the blame for the defensive lapses. The midfielders at Selhurst Park could not protect their back four when needed but bringing a midfield enforcer like Song would serve their cause.

Song is a watchful protector of the back four and proven at the highest level with Arsenal, Barcelona and West Ham. The strong defensive midfielder possesses good tackling ability.

The 28-year-old's concentration helps him to intervene threats and at the same time, he is a decent passer and can spray the ball across the pitch to initiate counter-attacks as shown at Arsenal and in his spell under Allardyce at West Ham.

The midfielder has 10 goals to his name while setting up 23 assists for Arsenal from 204 games which state that he is not just a destroyer of the game.

Song will be a big upgrade on skipper Mile Jedinak and that too on a bargain. Barcelona are unlikely to play hardball regarding the transfer fee of a player they don't need.

They would probably be happy with whatever they get this summer than losing him for nothing next season. Crystal Palace have to make this deal go through.