The Southampton star has been linked with Tottenham Hotspur.
According to a recent report from the Mirror, Tottenham Hotspur are interested in signing Southampton forward Shane Long this summer, and while many fans would be nonplussed by the player’s arrival he could be exactly what Spurs need.
The 29-year-old may not be the headline name many want to see at White Hart Lane but he could be a very effective back-up striker, potentially arriving alongside another younger prospect such as Breel Embolo.
After all, despite Harry Kane’s continued brilliance in front of goal Tottenham cannot rely solely on the England international in the coming seasons and the more fire-power at manager Mauricio Pochettino’s disposal the better.
Given his age, Long is not your typical Daniel Levy signing but that is not reason enough to dismiss a move out of hand.
He has been a regular scorer wherever he has been and he will surely leap at the chance to play for a side with aspirations of winning the title next season, as well as competing among Europe’s elite.
Long is also adaptable, able to play on the wing or in a more withdrawn forward role if necessary, and his versatility would come in very hand given the sheer number of important games Tottenham will play next season and beyond.
It may not be to everyone’s liking, but if Tottenham can convince Southampton to do a deal for a relatively cheap fee – given the length of his current contract – it could be a very canny piece of business.
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