Transfer Rumors: Everton Interested in Alex Song?

Part of moving on from this past weekend's disappointing opening match draw is assessing the lessons learned. One of those critical issues highlighted was the lack of depth on the team, particularly as certain players work their way back into match fitness. Also throwing a wrench into the gears was Ross Barkley's unexpected injury which will see him sidelined for the foreseeable future. One way that the club can address these concerns is to dip back into the transfer market.

It's hard to say how much money the Blue's have left on hand after an active summer which saw the record signing of striker Romelu Lukaku as well as the signings of Muhamed Besic and Gareth Barry. Everton would likely look to bolster the roster by bringing in some additional players via free loans.

The most recent player that the club is rumored to be interested in is former Arsenal and current Barcelona midfielder, Alex Song. Song, 26 joined the Blaugrana in 2012 signing a five-year contract but he has struggled to settle in and find his place within the squad. The club have reportedly told him to find a new team to play with and have even dropped the asking price for a permanent transfer down to £8 million; however they prefer to send him out on loan for the season.

Song has proven that he can compete at the Premier League-level and that is surely why a club like Barcelona came calling. However, over the two seasons that he was with the team, he was used sparingly - last season he had nineteen La Liga appearances which were comprised of twelve starts and seven substitutions. Between league, cup and Champions League matches he tallied 31 appearances and notched one assist. His strengths come in the defensive part of the game though; particularly passing, tackling and interceptions - all attributes that the Toffees look like they definitely need right now.

There would be competition for the player as Tottenham may consider him as a silver medal should they fail to land Morgan Schneiderlin from Southampton. The one-way revolving door that has become Manchester United are also rumored to be interested in him as they continue their search for competent, seasoned players. Song and his former club Arsenal could also be interested in a reunion which would be seen as a good move for the Gunners considering that they sold him for £15 and could bring him back for nearly half of that. In Everton's favor is a good existing relationship with Barcelona after Gerard Deulofeu spent a productive season at Goodison Park last year.