Manchester United Transfer Rumours: Alex Song a Cut-Price Bargain for Red Devils

In a bid to end his stint at Barcelona, Alex Song could make his return to the Premier League this winter, 18 months after initially making the decision to leave.

According to recent reports, Manchester United have joined the race for the midfield anchor and could look to Song as they attempt to improve their engine-room presence.

It's a deal that could work out for all parties, Gerardo Martino opting to use the Cameroonian international only sparingly in these first few months at the Camp Nou, playing Song only seven times in La Liga this season.

Meanwhile, David Moyes' midfield has struggled to stamp its authority for great patches of this term, despite the summer arrival of Moyes' former Everton talisman, Marouane Fellaini.

Ben Burrows of the Mirror has said that Song could be available for as little as £10 million this January, a steep step down from the £15 million he originally moved to Spain for just over 12 months ago.

While he may have struggled in settling into his Catalan setting, Song suits the profile of player whom Moyes should be scouting at this point, his creative ranks relying largely on Phil Jones to bring some bite to the table as things stand.

But Jones, who also has covering responsibilities elsewhere on the pitch, won't always be around to cover in midfield as he did during the 1-0 defeat to Newcastle United this weekend.

As well as a lack in superstar talent, it's a lack in depth that currently looks to be affecting Moyes' midfield ranks, looking as uncertain as ever following the retirement of Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs' diminishing involvement.

While he's made only five league starts for La Blaugrana this season, Squawka show that Song boasts an average duel success rate of 55 percent and has won 16 of his 18 attempted tackles this term.

Whilst at the Emirates Stadium, the 26-year-old developed a reputation as one of the most talented box-to-box presences in the English top flight and could be so again in the near future.

The apparent interest Arsenal have in reclaiming their former asset could prove to be an issue, however, as Song would undoubtedly be keen on resurfacing as a Gunner once more.

However, the prospect of rising through United's weakened ranks may prove more appetising than the thought of attempting to break down the Gunners' ranks, who are very much in form.

Given the fees associated, any club would be fortunate to land Song next month, a player who's simply struggled in adapting to the demands of the Spanish first tier.

Moyes has a plethora of options laid ahead of him and is expected to be making some significant moves in the coming transfer window, of which Song could rank among the more valuable.