West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has revealed the Hammers have a deal in place to sign former loanee Alex Song on a permanent basis, subject to a medical.

The 27-year-old Cameroonian midfielder spent last season on loan at Upton Park 31 appearances in all compeititions.

It is no secret West Ham would like the former Arsenal midfielder to return to Upton Park but a floating bone in his ankle has put a question mark against any possible deal.

Speaking to the KUMB (Knees Up Mother Brown) podcast, Sullivan revealed a deal was close despite fears over his fitness short-term.

He said: "We have a deal in place with Alex Song subject to a medical. If the medical is okay, we'll take him.

"He's a player we all admire and we just hope that the medical shows he's in a sufficient state for us to gamble.

"He couldn't physically pass a medical tomorrow, but if the medics say it's just a technical thing and he's only a couple of weeks away you'd take that gamble and hope they're right.

"He's still got two years left on his Barcelona contract and you're signing a player on a three-year contract, so it's a huge commitment. He's a big earner, Alex.

"He's injured at the moment, which is something you've got to weight up. But we've got until September 1 to make a decision."

Song starred prior to Christmas as Sam Allardyce's side found themselves riding high in the Champions League places.

However, his form - along with the team's - dipped in the new year, something Sullivan acknowledged.

"On his pre-Christmas form he was possibly the best player we've ever signed," he said. "But after Christmas he was just another player.

"Maybe there's reasons for that and maybe we'll see the true Alex Song and maybe he'll make a huge contribution this year.

"We'd like another senior pro in that position."