Updated 11.55
SVEN GORAN ERIKSSON is the latest manager to declare an interest in Shane Long, revealing that the Republic of Ireland striker is one of his top transfer targets.
The former England boss is in the market for a prolific front man as he seeks to improve on Leicester’s tenth-place finish and push for promotion.
And with 21 league goals to his name last season, the 24-year-old from Tipperary fits that bill perfectly.
“He is one on the list but he may end up in the Premier League this season, so it will be difficult, but he is one we have worked with,” Eriksson told Sky Sports.
We are working on it and it would be a dream to take in someone who can score over 20 goals.
Despite Brian McDermott’s insistence that Reading will not sell to another club in the same division, a number of promotion hopefuls have lodged bids, with the Royals rejecting a £7m offer from West Ham last week.
Long has grabbed the attention of West Brom, Liverpool and Newcastle with his impressive strike rate, but says that he is in no rush to make the step up into the Premiership, and hinted that he would be willing to talk to the right Championship club.
“West Ham are a big club, so it would definitely be something for me to think about,” Long told the Independent on Sunday.
However, the 24-year-old was quick to reassure the Reading faithful that he is not unsettled at the Madjeski Stadium, saying “I’m not dying to get out.”
I wouldn’t be that disappointed if nothing happened and I stayed at Reading. I’m happy here and I like playing under the manager [Brian McDermott].
Reading kick off their push for promotion when they host Millwall on Saturday afternoon.
