Hull City have made an approach for Sheffield United goalkeeper George Long, as reported by The72 earlier today. Here are five things to know about him-
Started out at Sheffield United- George Long joined their academy in 2002 and progressed through the youth ranks at Bramall Lane. He made his debut for the Blades aged just 17 years-old against Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium on the last day of the 2010/11 season.
Represented England- The 24-year-old shot stopper has represented England at both Under-18 and Under-21 levels in the past. He also received various call-ups to the Under-21’s when Gareth Southgate was the manager, but never made an appearance for them.
First choice under Nigel Adkins- Adkins, who is now the manager of Hull City, made Long his number one goalkeeper when he took charge of Sheffield United in 2015. He played 38 games for the Blades in the 2015/16 season under Adkins.
123 games for the Blades- Long has played 123 times for his home-town club altogether and was first choice for them in their 2012/13, 2013/14 and 2015/16 seasons in League One. He was their back-up ‘keeper when the Blades won the third tier title under Chris Wilder in 2017.
Loan spells- The 6ft 4inc goalkeeper has had three loan spells away from Sheffield United. He spent the first half of the 2014/15 campaign at Oxford United in League Two before ending that season with Scottish Premier League side Motherwell. Long then spent last season on loan in League One with AFC Wimbledon and played 49 times for them in all competitions.