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West Brom to rival West Ham in Shane Long deal… but Leeds United swoop won't happen
WEST BROM are reportedly preparing a bid for Southampton striker Shane Long.
Republic of Ireland fans singing & Shane Long is on Fire at Euro 2016 in France
West Ham are said to be keen on landing Long, 29, during the January transfer window.
But The Sun claim West b are also jostling for position in the race to land the Ireland international.
According to the report, West Brom manager Tony Pulis is keen to bring Long back to the Hawthorns after two-and-a-half years away from the club.
Pulis supposedly sees Long as a viable back-up for main striker Salomon Rondon, with Saido Berahino not part of the manager's long-term plans.
Berahino is expected to leave by the end of the season, when his contract expires, while Hal Robson-Kanu has struggled for games and goals since his free arrival last summer.
West Ham supposedly have Long on their radar but manager Slaven Bilic is pushing to sign Jermain Defoe from Sunderland as a priority.
Defoe, 34, could cost the Hammers £6million and the striker has admitted to being flattered by the interest shown from his former club.
West Brom and West Ham want to sign Shane Long
Southampton are said to be open to selling Long in this transfer window
Long has scored just once for Saints all season
Charlie Taylor (left) is set to remain at Leeds United despite West Brom's interest
Charlie Taylor update
As for West Brom, their hopes of signing Leeds United left-back Charlie Taylor this month appear to be over after Elland Road boss Garry Monk ruled out player sales.
“We do not have to sell anyone and we won’t be selling anyone,” Monk said.
“It’ll only be in-comings. There’ll be no-one leaving in this window.
“(That) goes for every single player who is in the squad at Leeds United right now."
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