Reading will hope to be playing Premier League football next season and a move for Southampton striker and former player Shane Long should be considered if they are promoted.
Shane Long played for Reading from 2005 to 2011
Southampton striker Shane Long has endured a disappointing campaign at St Mary’s after scoring just three goals for the Saints. He has had to settle for a place on the bench for the majority of the season and a move away from the south coast in the summer would not come as a great surprise.
The Republic of Ireland international will want to rediscover his goalscoring touch as he bids to lead his national side to 2018 World Cup qualification. If the Boys in Green are successful in their bid to make the World Cup finals then they will be keen for their talismanic forward to enjoy a fruitful 2017-2018 Premier League campaign to boost their chances in Russia.
Long has been linked with a move to West Ham United recently (Evening Standard) and the 30-year-old will be an attractive proposition to a host of Premier League sides looking to bolster their attacking options.
If Reading are a Premier League side next season then signing a striker capable of scoring goals in England’s top tier will be of high priority and their former striker Long will fit the bill perfectly.
Reading was Long’s first club in England after the Royals signed him from Cork City in 2005. He would go on to make 174 appearances and score 44 goals at the Madejski Stadium before departing in 2011. He has since played for Hull City, West Brom and Southampton in the Premier League.
Southampton has scored just three goals for Southampton this season
A move back to Reading would be a smart piece of business for all parties concerned. Long would be almost guaranteed to play a starring role in a newly promoted side and a run of games is exactly what Long needs at this stage in this career.
Reading’s style of play has earned a number of plaudits in the Championship but Royals boss Jaap Stam will be under no illusions that he will need to strengthen his side up front.
35-year-old centre forward Yann Kermorgant is the club’s top goalscorer with 18 goals but the Frenchman will not be able to sustain this in the Premier League and Long will provide a much required contrasting outlet with his direct approach and blistering pace.
Shane Long could be set for a move in the summer
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