Friday 16 January 2015 17:14, UK
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce is confident West Ham will be in a position to sign on-loan Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a permanent deal this summer.
The 27-year-old has established himself as a key player in West Ham’s midfield after joining on a season-long loan at the beginning of the season.
Song is thought to be attracting interest from Liverpool and former club Arsenal, but Allardyce is hopeful West Ham will be able to conclude a deal for the Cameroon international.
"I think that next year is next year's budget and there's a considerable amount of fund available next season," he said when asked if West Ham could be priced out of a move.
So, affordable? It depends on what Barcelona are looking for and what Alex is looking for, that negotiation will happen at some stage in or around that period.
"They can't be spent this season because we're at the extreme of that budget but next year is a completely new budget.
"So, affordable? It depends on what Barcelona are looking for and what Alex is looking for, that negotiation will happen at some stage in or around that period."
Allardyce casted doubt on any potential incomings at West Ham during the January transfer window as the club tries to comply with Financial Fair Play regulations.
"We're Financial Fair Played with no money available at the moment," he said.
"I think what money we do have available is only wages so if a player pops up within that wage structure with what we've got left with financial fair play - and we feel it's somebody who could have an immediate impact on the team – then we will pursue it but we think that's highly unlikely in this window.
"But you never know what turns up in the next two or three weeks. We will never say never but probably highly unlikely."
A shoulder injury sustained by Arsenal’s Mathieu Debuchy last weekend has prompted speculation the Gunners may try and recall Carl Jenkinson from his loan spell at West Ham.
But Allardyce does not believe Arsenal can recall the player under the terms of his season-long agreement.
"I'm 99 per cent sure he's ours for the season to be fair," he said. "I don't think there is a call back clause in this month."
