Alex Song in Westham
Hammers want to sign last season's on-loan midfielder permanently but not at that price and are unconvinced by talk of rival Man City and Chelsea interest.
West Ham want to offer Alex Song a three-year deal - but are unwilling to pay Barcelona's £5million asking price.
The Hammers were initially ready to allow midfielder Song to leave after his season on loan to them from the Spanish giants.
But they have had a change of heart as they look to increase the depth in their squad for a season that sees them competing domestically - where they must avoid relegation so they don't move to the Olympic Stadium next summer as a Championship club - and in the Europa League.
But they are not willing to pay the £5m that Barca are demanding, on top of the former Arsenal man's £70,000-a-week wages.
Although Manchester City and Chelsea have also been linked with Song, West Ham believe they have a clear run at the player — and are refusing to be held to ransom.
Song, who has two years left on his Barcelona contract, would give the Hammers good depth in their middle of the park.
He would join the likes of Mark Noble, Cheikou Kouyate and exciting Sampdoria midfielder Pedro Obiang, who was signed in earlier this month.
