West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan has confirmed that the club will try to keep Alex Song beyond his loan deal.
The 27-year-old has impressed since arriving at Upton Park on a season-long loan in the summer from Barcelona.
The former Arsenal midfielder has expressed a desire to stay in the Premier League, but Sullivan has warned that nothing is set in stone.
"Could he leave at the end of the season? Yes he could - loan players always can," Sullivan told Sky Sports News.
"Barcelona paid £15m for him. You have to judge him over the season and I think Song has to judge West Ham over the season.
"He loves England and his family loves London. We hope that we can conclude a deal to sign him but if we can't we can't."
The Hammers are currently fifth in the league table after 10 games.
