Five Alex Song alternatives West Ham should consdier

The Hammers faithful were absolutely ecstatic about the arrival of FC Barcelona midfielder Alex Song on a season long loan deal last summer.

The Cameroon international showed exactly why the Spanish giants showed faith in him for a brief time, starting his Hammers career with a string of impressive performances, including being named man of the match in the tremendous wins against Liverpool and Manchester City at Upton Park earlier in the season.

However, since the 27-year-old called it quits on his international career at the start of 2015, Song has failed to rekindle the form he showed in his first four months in East London.

With the E13 club safe from relegation and nothing to play for in the remaining fixtures of the 2014/2015 campaign, plans for next season are well under way and we all debating whether should Song still be involved with West Ham next season.

If not, then here five alternatives the Hammers should look at…

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Cheick Tiote

With Newcastle United fading faster than Sam Allardyce’s position at West Ham and Tiote expressing on numerous occasions of his desire for pastures new, the Hammers should attempt to sing the Ivory Coast international.

The 28-year-old holding midfielder now has a vast amount of Premier League experience under his belt with 118 appearances to his name, including scoring that magnificent volley in the 4-4 draw at home to Arsenal at St. James Park in 2011.

Forming a formidable partnership with fellow African counterpart Cheikhou Kouyate could see the Hammers ambition of European football become more realistic.

Mario Suarez

Many Hammers fans may recall being linked with Suarez in the past when his name was not too familiar.

Now, Mario Suarez has burst onto the scene in tremendous fashion with Spanish title holders Atletico Madrid.

Joining Diego Simeone’s men in 2010, the 2014/2015 season has seen Suarez at his best so far, which has even been rewarded with a call up to the Spain squad.

An aggressive Spanish player, who is not afraid of a tackle, is rare nowadays considering the high calibre of playmaker’s coming out of Spain.

Overall the 28-year-old would prove to be a vital asset in the West Ham squad and is tailor made for top flight English football.

Take that on board David Gold and David Sullivan!

Giannelli Imbula

West Ham are entering the most exciting time of their prestigious history, with the 2016 Olympic Stadium move in site.

This means the ambition of the club if far greater than ever before. Signing young players who are ready for European football is critical.

Despite interest from the likes of Chelsea and Arsenal, Imbula would be an incredible singing from a young Marseille squad.

The 22-year-old has been dubbed ‘the next Claude Makelele’. The potential of the DR Congo man is exceptional and could potentially be one of the best centre midfielder’s in Europe.

If the West Ham board want to show ambition, signing Imbula would definitely prove that.

Michael Essien

The former Chelsea man served the Blues with distinction for nine years and like Song, has plenty of playing experience in England to his name.

After a brief loan spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid, Essien is now surplus to requirements at troubled Italian’s AC Milan. The attraction of a free transfer for a player with undoubted quality is sure to attract the East Londoners.

However, it’s understandable that the Ghanaian is way past his best, and has spent more time on the treatment table than on the pitch, something West Ham cannot go through again.

Nevertheless, signing Essien will still be a wise acquisition, because when he does play, his reliability and calmness in difficult situations remains world class.

Sami Khedira

Pulling this signing off would be of the same calibre of the singing of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano back in 2006.

This is a player that has won the World Cup and La Liga and is the most sought after player considering he has no future with Real Madrid.

Yes, the liklehood would be that the Turkish born German would sign for a club in the Champions League. However, many thought that Alex Song would do the same and he eventually ended up at the Hammers.

The one lure that could persuade Khedira to join would be the Olympic Stadium move in 2016. Prizing away a superstar player with the iconic stadium move will eventually lure more top players to the club.

It just needs one player to trigger it, and Khedira could be the answer.