Why Crystal Palace should buy Song

According to the Sun, Crystal Palace are considering a swoop for Barcelona midfielder Alex Song in the summer. The Cameroonian international is serving West Ham on loan for the second successive season, however, he has not been able to replicate last season's performances. The Sun also claims that West Ham have the option to sign the defensive midfielder permanently from Barcelona at the end of his loan spell which the Hammers are not willing to exercise.

Song moved from Arsenal to Barcelona in 2012 in a big-money transfer but he could never impress. With Song clearly having no future at Camp Nou, Luis Enrique's side are willing to part ways with the Cameroon international on a cut-price deal of £4m and the Eagles are ready to match the value according to the Sun.

Why Song will be a good bargain for Crystal Palace

Song has just managed to make 15 appearances this season for the Hammers having played a total of just 854 minutes in all competitions. With the likes of Cheikhou Kouyate and Mark Noble doing a brilliant job for Slaven Bilic's side in the middle of the park, Song found it really hard to get playing time at Upton Park this season. Pedro Obiang provided good cover for the central midfield duo while Song was struggling with injuries for the most of the season.

Song has clearly not done enough to seal a permanent move to the East London club who are on the verge of making it to European football next season but he could still be a very good deal for Crystal Palace. Song will add steel to the Crystal Palace midfield who often looked exposed this season mostly in the second half.

Yohan Cabaye has been amazing in midfield for the Eagles this season after arriving at Selhurst Park last summer for a club record fee. However, the likes of Joe Ledley, Mile Jedinak and James McArthur have been far from convincing. Crystal Palace's dismal second half of the season is due to their defensive crisis but the midfielders also have to take the blame for not being able to protect their back four.

Song will be a great addition to the Eagles with his massive experience at the highest level. Song had more than 200 games to his name during his time with Arsenal and showed excellent potential which is why Barcelona spent a fortune on him. He had a poor last season but can still offer a lot to the struggling Crystal Palace side. Song and Cabaye could make a brilliant central midfield partnership sound both defending and attacking wise. For just £4mn, Alan Pardew has to make this deal happen.