Sheffield United are interested in Southampton striker Shane Long, as reported by The72 yesterday.
The Blades are keen on bringing in a forward in the January transfer window as they look to add more of a cutting edge to their attack. Chris Wilder’s side are currently 4th in the Championship and three points off the top of the league.
Long, who is 31 years-old, has emerged as a loan target. He has fallen down the pecking order at Southampton and after only scoring twice in the whole of last season, his long-term future at St Mary’s is in doubt.
The Republic of Ireland has not played in the second tier for nine years and would be an impressive acquisition for Sheffield United. Even though his goal scoring record over recent years has been questionable, he is still credited for his hard work rate.
Long has also got experience of promotion from the Championship before. He helped Reading gain promotion to the Premier League in 2006. This know-how would come in handy for the Blades.
He has also played for Cork City, West Bromwich Albion and Hull City before in the past and has racked up over 450 career appearances, scoring 107 goals.
Shane Long’s pace up front would provide Wilder with another option and dimension going forward, which is useful in a promotion race. He is another type of striker to the likes of Billy Sharp, David McGoldrick and Leon Clarke.
The goals have dried up for Long in the Premier League, but he could find his feet in the Championship with the right service at Sheffield United.
