Midfielder was one of the Hammers' key men last season while on a year-long loan and new boss Bilic wants him at Upton Park permanently.

West Ham hope to confirm the capture of Alex Song this week.

The east Londoners are understood to have reached an agreement with Spanish giants Barcelona to take the 27-year-old midfielder on a permanent basis after the Catalans initially demanded £6million.

Cameroon international Song was in the stands at Upton Park last Thursday night as the Hammers beat FC Lusitans 3-0 in the first leg of their Europa League first qualifying round tie.

The former Arsenal star, who is surplus to requirements at new European champions Barca, wants to remain in London.

West Ham are aiming to seal his capture, along with that of right-back Carl Jenkinson on a second successive season-long loan from Arsenal.