After a summer filled with transfer speculation, Reading striker Shane Long may be closing in on a move to the Premier League with West Bromwich Albion.
The two clubs are believed to have agreed a £7m deal which would smash the club’s transfer record, currently held by Borja Valero who arrived in 2008 for £4.7m.
Baggies boss, Roy Hodgson, wants the Republic of Ireland international for Albion’s clash against current league champions, Manchester United.
Long has also been praised by his international coach, Giovanni Trapattoni, with the Italian commenting: “He can learn off a new manager in a better league against stronger opponents.”
“This is an important step in his evolution. Roy Hodgson can help Shane with different playing styles,” he added.