West Ham looks to be the closest club to signing midfielder Joey Barton who was released by former club Queens Park Rangers (QPR) after their relegation from the Premier League. 

Barton believes he can still play in the Premier League  and was being linked to joining Aston Villa. 

While doing commentary work for BBC in Aston Villa's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth Saturday, Barton said he is the best player watching from the stands and he believes he is close to signing a new deal. 

BBC Sports reported that Barton joining West Ham will be completed in as soon as two days with him expected to have his medical in the next 24 hours. 

Meanwhile, The Guardian said both sides are keeping their options open but added that despite starting with a 2-0 win over Arsenal Sunday West Ham is still looking for key acquisitions and Barton might be their sixth signing once an agreement is reached. 

West Ham have already signed Stephen Hendrie, Pedro Obiang, Angelo Ogbonna, Dimitri Payet and Darren Randolph. 

The Guardian also reported that West Ham is interested in signing Barcelona's Alex Song after a successful loan stint last season and because of his family's desire of living in London. 

But that interest was hampered after Song suffered an ankle injury during the preseason and Barton is one of the best available options being seen by the club. 

Although there is some kind of tension between Barton and West Ham chairman David Gold who criticized Barton in 2013 after the former QPR captain engaged in a social media war with former teammate Dietmar Hamann. 

In a tweet regarding the exchange, Gold called Barton vile adding that he has a problem and should get help. 

But if West Ham is keen in adding Barton perhaps that issue will be set aside as all pieces need to co-exist for a successful campaign this season.