Everton are looking to sign Southampton and Republic of Ireland striker Shane Long, a reported target of Merseyside rivals Liverpool, according to The Times.
Everton are said to be in the market for a back-up striker to ease their seeming over-reliance on Romelu Lukaku. Added to that, the sale of Steven Naismith to Norwich City has opened up a gap in the squad.
Long could find himself on the sidelines in Hampshire due to Southampton’s signing of in-demand Championship striker Charlie Austin.
Long, 28, has been in decent form this year, netting four goals in the Premier League and also scoring a beautiful goal to give Ireland a priceless 1-0 over Germany in Dublin.
The striker is a key player in Martin O’Neill’s Ireland squad so it will be important for him to continue his good form and play regular football.
After Charlie Austin’s arrival, Long’s chances of becoming a regular starter are slim and he may have to re-evaluate his career choices, especially with Euro 2016 only a few months away.
Everton could prove to be an ideal move for long as playing alongside players of the ilk of Ross Barkley, Gerard Deulofeu and Romelu Lukaku will no doubt bring out the best in the Republic of Ireland international, and his work rate would make him a hit with Evertonians.
