Somehow, Southampton may have found a willing taker for Shane Lone in the summer without having to pay anyone off to do so.
The London Evening Standard claims that Slaven Bilic wants to add pace to his forward line at West Ham and the club are targeting a move for Long, as well as Chelsea’s Michy Batshuayi.
Since his £12.6m arrival from Hull in August 2014, Long has been a featured member of the Southampton squad over the last three seasons, netting 25 goals and providing 16 assists in 115 appearances for the club.
This season, however, Long has had more of a reserve role in the side. Despite making 30 Premier League appearances, he’s made just nine starts and scored only three goals.
Turning 31 next season, Long’s days at Southampton are numbered following the arrival of Manolo Gabbiadini in January and finding a taker for him in the summer would be a wise move.
If the Hammers are ready to firm up their interest in the Irishman, the Saints should be open to letting him leave.
