Transfer speculation regarding Shane Long has intensified after Southampton confirmed that he has been officially released.
Long, who is now a free agent after his eight year spell on the South Coast, has been linked with a spectacular return to Reading FC.
Speaking yesterday about the links to Long, Reading’s head of football operations Mark Bowen said: “I worked with him (Long) at Southampton and I’ve worked with Andre Gray as well.
“They are players we have looked at and continue to look at.
“It’s in that complicated process. Are they suitable for us as players first and foremost, are they suitable financially and it might come down to one or two players, but they are players we are looking at.”
Long became a fans favourite during his first spell in Berkshire after he joined as a relatively unknown prospect from Cork City in 2005.
Having been an understudy in his earlier days to the likes of Dave Kitson, Leroy Lita and fellow countryman Kevin Doyle, Long eventually established himself as the main main up top.
Having scored three goals in 11 appearances in his first season at the club which helped Reading on their way to their first ever top flight promotion in 2005/06, Long netted five times in two seasons in the Premier League.
His best goal scoring season with the Royals came in 2010/11 when they fell at the final hurdle in the Championship play-off finals in a campaign where Long netted 25 times in all competitions.
His excellent form saw him on the radar for several Premier League where he eventually got a move to West Bromwich Albion.
A three season stint with West Brom was followed by a short time at Hull City before Long was picked up by Southampton.
Long became a reliable Premier League striker and spent eight seasons with the Saints and netted 37 goals in all competitions where he made almost 250 appearances for the South Coast club.
