Manchester United Prepare Shock Move For Barcelona Midfielder Alex Song - Report

Manchester United are preparing a move for former Arsenal midfielder Alex Song in the summer, according to Goal.com.

The midfielder has failed to make an impact following his transfer to the Nou Camp and is open to a move back to the Premier League, with United interested in bringing him back. The player has made only 17 starts this season for Barcelona without troubling the scorers, a sharp fall from his performance for Arsenal, where he notched up 13 assists in his final season.

Robin van Persie was his main target from midfield at Arsenal and David Moyes is looking to renew the partnership at Old Trafford, as he looks to take United back to winning ways.

Liverpool, AC Milan and Atletico Madrid are also keen on the player but United are currently favourites for his signature. Moyes is an admirer of his holding midfield play and ability to slot into the centre-back position if need be.

Barcelona are willing to cash in on the player, with United prepared to pay up to £12.5 to bring the Cameroon international back to the Premier League. However, the transfer ban imposed on the Catalans may have an effect on the final transfer, with the Spanish club unable to bring in a replacement if the ban is not relieved.

Song has three years left on his current contract and has previously expressed an interest to leave if the opportunity arises.

"If I leave Barcelona it will be to return to the Premier League. I will return to England one day, that's for sure," Song said.

This will be a major coup for United, who are ostensibly out of the reckoning for a place in the Champions League and need to bring in players to supplement their title charge next season. The Red Devils are currently languishing in sixth spot and are out of all competitions, with Moyes likely to be handed a major transfer kitty in the summer to rebuild his squad.